From 25 to 28 March 2026, the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) convened a regional Diseases Contingency Plan Validation Workshop in Mbarara, Uganda, bringing together technical experts and institutional representatives from Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Held under the Strengthening One Health Preparedness, Prevention and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape project, the workshop marked a critical milestone in advancing joint pandemic preparedness and response across this ecologically interconnected region. The project is supported by the World Bank Pandemic Fund and implemented in collaboration with FAO, WHO, UNICEF, WWF, Gorilla Doctors, IGCP, and IUCN.
Aligning Transboundary Preparedness through One Health
The workshop focused on validating updated Transboundary Diseases Contingency Plans covering Ebola Virus Disease, COVID‑19, and Emerging Disease X, including annexes on priority zoonotic threats such as Mpox, Rabies, Anthrax, Rift Valley Fever, and Marburg Virus Disease. Participants reviewed the plans to ensure technical rigor, consistency with national frameworks, and readiness for operational use.
Through plenary discussions and country‑based breakout sessions, delegations assessed surveillance systems, coordination mechanisms, activation triggers, and cross‑border response pathways. Strong emphasis was placed on the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health considerations across preparedness and response systems.
Building Ownership and Operational Readiness
A key outcome of the workshop was strengthened country ownership and commitment to implement the validated plans within national preparedness systems. Participants also identified priority actions, mapped resource needs, and highlighted funding gaps to guide future investments.
The workshop concluded with agreement on next steps, including finalization of the contingency plans for formal adoption and rollout across the Greater Virunga Landscape.
A Step Forward for Regional Health Security
By reinforcing collaboration, harmonizing preparedness frameworks, and promoting shared responsibility, the validation workshop has strengthened the region’s collective capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to transboundary health threats. It reflects GVTC’s continued leadership in advancing integrated, cross‑border solutions that safeguard public health, wildlife, and ecosystems in one of Africa’s most important landscapes.
Report by Juvenal Mukeshimana
GVTC Program Assistant
