SUB-REGIONAL CROSS-BORDER SIMULATION EXERCISE IN ZAMBIA

In November 2024, a cross-border simulation exercise and policy roundtable took place in Livingstone, Zambia, involving Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The exercise was sparked by the 2023 opening of the Kazungula Bridge, linking Zambia and Botswana, which could impact both human and wildlife movement in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

The event aimed to strengthen regional coordination for handling complex One Health   emergencies, such as droughts, transboundary animal diseases, and public health crises.

Key discussions between participants from public health, livestock, wildlife, and environmental sectors focused on improving multi-sectoral collaboration across countries to address health security at the human-animal-environment interface. The exercise culminated in the formation of a steering committee to explore on enhancing cross-border coordination, data sharing, and response strategies to strengthen regional preparedness for future crises.