Rwanda and Uganda will hold a three-day exercise at the Gatuna-Katuna border to improve how health workers and border officials work together during public health emergencies.
The exercise is scheduled for November 10-12 at the One Stop Border Post, according to a statement issued by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on November 8. The ministry will organise it alongside its Rwandan counterpart and partners.
“These activities are part of the exercise and should not be mistaken for an actual health emergency,” the statement said.
Travellers and people living near the border may see health workers and other officials taking part in organised activities that recreate situations they could face during an emergency. The ministry urged them to cooperate with participating teams and follow officials’ guidance.
The teams will work on sharing information, coordinating their actions and arranging referrals for people who need medical attention. These are among the areas the two countries want to strengthen so that officials on either side of the border can respond together.
The exercise is intended to protect public health while supporting safe travel and trade, the ministry said.
Gatuna in Rwanda and Katuna in Uganda form one of the official crossings connecting the neighbouring countries.
Linked to Kampala by a major highway, the crossing serves travellers and businesses moving goods across the border.
The planned activities will involve health workers alongside other agencies operating at the crossing, allowing them to rehearse their respective responsibilities under simulated conditions.
The statement was signed by Uganda’s Director General of Health Services, Prof. Charles Olaro.
It acknowledged the support of health workers, development partners and security agencies in strengthening preparedness.
Travellers and neighbouring communities have been asked to cooperate with the teams throughout the exercise, which ends on November 12.
Elie GATETE
RADIOTV10