The East African Community has urged member nations to implement a unified response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Cross-border trade and free movement of persons have been harmed by the pandemic.
Martin Ngoga, the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), stated that it is critical for member states to have a coordinated approach to combating the virus’ spread.
“We call on member states to look at the possibilities of harmonising the measures we take as a region so we have a common approach such that people, even in difficult times of the pandemic, can continue to enjoy the benefits of integration,” said the EALA speaker Martin Ngoga.
This comes as the region is still combatting the spread of Covid-19 with some countries imposing lockdowns while others are opening up their borders.
“The EAC ministers in charge of health met and agreed on how to handle the issue of pandemic across the region and harmonise the means on how to handle it this was not done,” said EALA Member of Parliament Denis Namara.
Recall that in May 2021, the East African Community Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment (SCTIFI) urged the EAC Regional Coordination Committee to review and harmonize the Covid-19 testing charges, as well as the validity and mutual recognition of certificates, to ensure the safe and smooth movement of goods and people in the region.