The East African Community (EAC) is set to revolutionise how the region fights deadly diseases. This Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the bloc will officially unveil the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe as its new Regional Centre of Excellence in Virology.
This move is a major win for public health across East Africa. By turning the UVRI into a central hub, the region is taking a bold step to improve how it tracks, studies, and stops dangerous outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg before they spiral out of control.
Aguer Ariik Malueth, the EAC Deputy Secretary General, noted that this initiative proves the region’s dedication to working together. He explained that by pooling resources and expertise, East African nations can build a stronger, more resilient health system that keeps every citizen safer from emerging viral threats.
Before the grand opening, the institute will host a high-level scientific gathering. Top experts, government officials, and policymakers will meet to discuss the latest strategies for pandemic preparedness and how to better coordinate laboratory responses across borders.
The launch is a significant milestone supported by the German government and aligns with the EAC’s long-term plan to create specialized medical centres. Coincidentally, the event also marks the 90th anniversary of the UVRI, celebrating nearly a century of vital contributions to medical science and disease control in Africa.
Source: newvision.co.ug
