Joint Press Release: Ethiopia Supports Immediate Emergency Response for Cross Border Communities in Eastern Africa

African health organizations and partners have come together to enhance cross-border Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) readiness in the face of public health emergencies. The recent simulation-based training held in Mombasa, Kenya, from 15th to 19th April 2024, aimed to strengthen collaboration among countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Dr. Lul Riek, Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centres at Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of regional collaborations in delivering timely and culturally sensitive information during health crises. The training focused on improving RCCE strategies to empower communities to take informed actions during emergencies like Ebola, Marburg, cholera, and yellow fever outbreaks.

Partners like UNICEF and UK-PHRST highlighted the urgency of addressing missed vaccinations, conflict, and climate-related disasters that threaten community resilience. By leveraging data and evidence-based practices, the organizations aim to tailor interventions and messaging to meet the specific needs of each community.

Moving forward, the partners plan to develop standard operating procedures, action plans, and training packages to enhance RCCE readiness and data utilization for effective community-centered responses. This collaborative effort is crucial for protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining essential services during emergencies in Eastern and Southern Africa.