September 11, 2025 – Kampala, Uganda
The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), in partnership with WWF, Gorilla Doctors, IGCP, and IUCN, officially launched the “Strengthening One Health-Based Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPR) in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL)” project in Uganda. This milestone event, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, marked the beginning of a transformative regional initiative aimed at tackling zoonotic disease threats in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Funded by the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund and implemented through FAO, WHO, and UNICEF, the project seeks to build resilient health systems across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It focuses on enhancing early warning systems, strengthening laboratory networks, and fostering multisectoral collaboration at the human-animal-environment interface.
The launch was graced by Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, who emphasized the urgency of investing in prevention to avoid future pandemics. “If we don’t invest in prevention, nature will hit us hard,” he warned, highlighting the economic and health risks posed by zoonotic spillovers in the GVL.
Dr. Andrew Seguya, Executive Secretary of GVTC, described the GVL as “a big laboratory for pandemics,” underscoring the need for proactive surveillance and community engagement. The project will target high-risk areas including Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Rwenzori National Parks, among others.
Keynote speaker Prof. William Bazeyo, CEO of AFROHUN, called for holistic, interdisciplinary approaches and capacity building to address emerging health threats. The launch also featured a panel discussion with representatives from WHO, FAO, UNICEF, and WWF, who reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative implementation.
With strong government support and a clear roadmap, the One Health PPR project sets a new benchmark for regional cooperation in pandemic preparedness, aiming to protect both people and biodiversity in the Greater Virunga Landscape.
Report by Juvenal Mukeshimana
GVTC Program Assistant
