Placeholder story for stagingNAIROBI, 20 September 2026 — Health ministers from seven East African governments endorsed a draft protocol for a shared disease-surveillance network intended to speed laboratory alerts and cross-border sample referral, according to a communiqué released after two days of talks.The non-binding document sets out common case-definition templates, a secure messaging channel for priority pathogens and indicative timelines for referring specimens to regional reference labs. Officials said it would rely on an existing technical working group rather than create a new treaty body.“This is about shortening the gap between first detection and coordinated response,” said Dr. Amina Wekesa, chair of the East African Public Health Coordination Committee. The protocol does not override national reporting laws but offers a shared playbook for regional events.The communiqué called for a technical dry-run within six months and a ministers’ review within twelve months. No new financing facility was announced.Global Brief Staff • 20 September 2026