Rubirizi, Uganda – October 22, 2025
In a significant step to improve pandemic preparedness and response in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), in partnership with WWF, Gorilla Doctors, and other stakeholders, held a high-level engagement and project inception meeting with district leaders from the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area. The meeting, conducted at Kyangabi Crater Resort in Ruburizi District, marked a formal move towards strengthening and establishing one health structures such as district one health committees and teams.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Health Officers (DHOs), District Surveillance and Laboratory Focal Persons, Natural Resources Officers, Veterinary Officers from Kasese, Bunyangabu, Rukungiri, Rubirizi and Mitoma Districts, as well as representatives from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), among others. Their collective presence underscored the importance of a multisectoral approach to tackling zoonotic diseases and health emergencies in the region.
Key Highlights and Commitments
The meeting was graced by the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the lead Implementing Entity of the project funded by the World Bank Pandemic Fund. Also in attendance were the Representative of GVTC, the lead Delivery Partner, and the Uganda Country Director of WWF, one of the key Delivery Partners.
Mr. Ivan Tumuhimbise, Uganda Country Director of WWF addressing the Gathering in Kyangabi Crater Resort, 22 October 2025
During the session, participants were briefed on the objectives and scope of the project titled “Strengthening One Health Preparedness, Prevention and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape”. The initiative aims to build resilient health systems by integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
District leaders expressed strong support for the initiative, pledging their full commitment to the formation and operationalization of One Health Committees. These committees will serve as the backbone for coordinated surveillance, early warning, and response mechanisms at the district level.
WWF committed to providing technical guidelines and support for the establishment and functionality of these committees. In a notable development, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) from the districts agreed to serve as focal persons, ensuring smooth implementation and coordination of project activities.
A Timely and Strategic Initiative
The Greater Virunga Landscape, a biodiversity hotspot, faces increasing threats from zoonotic diseases due to intensified human-wildlife interactions and environmental pressures. This project, aligned with the One Health approach, seeks to mitigate these risks through community engagement, capacity building, and cross-border collaboration.
The Ruburizi meeting concluded with a shared vision among stakeholders: to safeguard both human and wildlife health, and to strengthen district-level systems capable of responding to future health threats. The formation of One Health Committees is expected to catalyze this transformation, making the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area a model for integrated health governance.
Report by
Juvenal Mukeshimana
GVTC Program Assistant
