Uganda and Rwanda are preparing to evaluate their ability to detect and respond to public health emergencies at their shared Katuna-Gatuna border through a three-day simulation exercise. The drill, scheduled for November 10-12, 2026, will bring together health workers and border agencies from both nations to enhance coordination, information sharing, and referral systems during health crises.
Strengthening Regional Health Security
Professor Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at Uganda's Ministry of Health, explained that the simulation will employ various scenarios to test how the two countries coordinate their responses to potential health threats. The exercise comes as part of growing efforts to bolster regional health security against outbreaks like Ebola, especially at busy border crossings where the movement of people and goods demands collaborative action to prevent and manage infectious diseases.
The Katuna-Gatuna border is a vital trade corridor and sees significant human traffic daily. Health authorities recognize that infectious diseases do not respect borders, making joint preparedness crucial. The simulation will assess the effectiveness of communication channels, the speed of information exchange, and the protocols for referring patients across borders.
Objectives of the Simulation
The exercise aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Test the rapid detection and reporting of public health events at points of entry.
- Evaluate the coordination mechanisms between health and border agencies of both countries.
- Assess the capacity for joint risk assessment and decision-making.
- Identify gaps in resources and logistics for cross-border response.
- Strengthen trust and collaboration among frontline workers.
Participants will include health workers, immigration officials, security personnel, and other stakeholders who play a role in border health security. The simulation will involve realistic scenarios, such as a suspected viral hemorrhagic fever case, to test the full spectrum of response activities, from initial detection to case management and contact tracing.
Building on Existing Frameworks
This exercise builds on existing regional frameworks, including the East African Community's health protocols and the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations. Both Uganda and Rwanda have previously participated in similar drills, but this joint simulation marks a significant step in operationalizing cross-border cooperation.
Professor Olaro emphasized that the ultimate goal is to protect the health of communities on both sides of the border. "By working together, we can ensure a swift and effective response to any health threat," he said. The exercise is also expected to produce a set of recommendations to improve future preparedness efforts.
The simulation comes at a time when the region is grappling with multiple health challenges, including outbreaks of cholera and measles in some areas. Strengthening cross-border collaboration is seen as essential to preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring timely access to care for affected populations.
Authorities from both countries have expressed commitment to the exercise and to sustaining the partnerships developed through it. The outcomes will inform policy and practice, contributing to a safer and more resilient region.
