Tanzania/Kenya cross border field simulation exercise

Dr Hezron Emmanuel Nonga, Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania, informed the OIE that a Tanzania/Kenya cross border simulation exercise will take place from 11 to 14 June 2019.

The 11th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health held on 24 March 2015, directed the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat to conduct a cross-border field simulation exercise at the Namanga border between the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania (EAC/ Health/SCM-11/ Decision 021). In the same report, the Sectoral Council urged Partner States to establish and/or strengthen the Port Health Services on the “One Health” approach at the Points of Entry based on the internationally recommended standards (EAC/ Health/ SCM-11/ Decision 019).

Based on those directives, a cross-border field simulation exercise (FSX) has been planned to be held from 11-14 June 2019 at Namanga border post. Joint preparations have been on the ground since October 2018. Considerable number of institutions/agencies have been invited and will take part in this rare, however, unique multi-sectoral constituted exercise.

Simulation exercises play a key role in identifying the strengths and gaps in capacities and can facilitate practical corrective actions needed to develop and implement preparedness and response capacities at all levels (national, regional, community and global).

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World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
[email protected]