Government representatives from Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia participated in a three-day table-top simulation exercise (SimEx) in Cairo, organized by the WHO and IOM.
The primary goal was to strengthen cross-border collaboration to address public health risks associated with migration, according to IOM.
The exercise focused on improving preparedness for disease outbreaks and ensuring access to health services for migrants and refugees, in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Key outcomes and recommendations from the meeting include:
* Standardizing public health procedures across borders.
* Establishing formal collaboration frameworks and legal agreements.
* Enhancing real-time communication and coordination during health emergencies.
* Strengthening technical capacity at national and cross-border levels.
The event, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is part of a broader regional initiative to improve health security in North Africa.
Officials emphasized that providing essential healthcare to migrants is both a human right and crucial for regional stability.
This exercise marks a significant step in advancing regional health security by improving coordination and commitment to protecting the health of all populations, including migrants and host communities.