Experts and national representatives gathered in Cairo for the JEE held between 30 September and 4 October. Upon the request and comprehensive preparations of the Ministry of Health of Egypt in collaboration with the WHO Country Office, the 5-day workshop brought together a multisectoral team of 11 experts with their Egyptian counterparts. The team consisted of experts selected for their technical expertise who come from various countries, international organizations, WHO EMRO and HQ.

Using a global standardized methodology these workshops are an integral part of the continuous process of strengthening countries’ capacity to prepare for, detect and respond to public health risks. The Cairo workshop identified the strengths, best practices, gaps and level of compliance with IHR of the public health system in Egypt. It was considered effective and comprehensive by the participants.

The report from the JEE is expected to be published shortly and will pave the way for a National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).

An EAC stakeholder meeting took place on 11-12 October 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss the cross-border Field Simulation Exercise (FSX) planned in June 2019.

The purpose of this meeting was to start the planning process of the FSX, including the purpose, scope, objectives and functions to be tested, as well as material and equipment available.