Signing of Communique on Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project (PREPARE)by IGAD member states.[Courtesy] Kenya has backed a fresh regional effort aimed at boosting pandemic preparedness and response within the Horn of Africa, pledging to deepen cross-border cooperation and invest more in early warning systems. The commitment was announced during the launch of the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative (PREPARE) at an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting in Uganda. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, said the COVID-19 pandemic had underscored the need for stronger resilience mechanisms against future health threats. “Our region faces common risks…