East African Region Research Articles

Questioning the democracy–growth debate in countries of the East African region: a political economy perspective

Questioning the democracy–growth debate in countries of the East African region: a political economy perspective

Application of the Multi-Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols version 0 (MUSICAv0) for air quality research in Africa

Abstract. The Multi-Scale Infrastructure for Chemistry and Aerosols Version 0 (MUSICAv0) is a new community modeling infrastructure that enables the study of atmospheric composition and chemistry across all relevant scales. We develop a MUSICAv0 grid with Africa refinement (∼ 28 km × 28 km over Africa). We evaluate the MUSICAv0 simulation for 2017 with in situ observations and compare the model results to satellite products over Africa. A simulation from the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem), a regional model that is widely used in Africa studies, is also included in the analyses as a reference. Overall, the performance of MUSICAv0 is comparable to WRF-Chem. Both models underestimate carbon monoxide (CO) compared to in situ observations and satellite CO column retrievals from the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. MUSICAv0 tends to overestimate ozone (O3), likely due to overestimated stratosphere-to-troposphere flux of ozone. Both models significantly underestimate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at two surface sites in East Africa. The MUSICAv0 simulation agrees better with aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) column retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) than WRF-Chem. MUSICAv0 has a consistently lower tropospheric formaldehyde (HCHO) column than OMI retrievals. Based on model–satellite discrepancies between MUSICAv0 and WRF-Chem and MOPITT CO, MODIS AOD, and OMI tropospheric NO2, we find that future field campaign(s) and more in situ observations in the East African region (5∘ S–5∘ N, 30–45∘ E) could substantially improve the predictive skill of atmospheric chemistry model(s). This suggested focus region exhibits the largest model–in situ observation discrepancies, as well as targets for high population density, land cover variability, and anthropogenic pollution sources.

Seeking approval first: Mental health care utilization and engagements among MENA adolescents in the United States

Like most adolescents, those from the Middle East and North African (MENA) region face a host of stressors that threaten their mental health. However, evidence suggests that this population may encounter specific barriers to access that inhibit or preclude help-seeking and engagement with mental health services. To better understand how these barriers limit MENA adolescents’ engagement with mental health services, we conducted interviews with 27 school-based service providers for MENA students in three U.S. cities and analyzed four focus group discussions from a Photovoice project with seven Arab adolescents in Detroit, MI. Our findings identified four key themes around barriers to service access and utilization: (1) the importance of reputation and adhering to familial and societal expectations, (2) student-parent communication around mental health and psychological distress, (3) the role of gender in seeking and engaging with mental health services, and (4) the quality and cultural appropriateness of mental health services. Strategies and recommendations for future research, policy, and practice to overcome these barriers are discussed.

“Trust but verify” financial inclusion in the MENA region

Using data from the World Value and Financial Access Surveys from 2010 to 2021 in 13 countries in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, this study investigates the nonlinear impact of general trust (GT) and confidence in banks (CIB) on financial inclusion (FI). In addition, it investigates whether bank risk-taking reinforces the negative effect between trust and financial inclusion. We also estimate a generalized quantile regression, and its results indicate a nonlinear (U-shaped) relationship between GT and FI and a nonlinear (Inverted U-shaped) relationship between CIB and FI. In addition, bank risk-taking strengthens the negative relationship between GT and FI. This is one of the first studies to investigate the relationship between general trust and financial inclusion with a nonlinear regression. Because the MENA region differs from others in terms of culture and religion, our results vary from those in prior papers on non-MENA countries.

The correlation between equatorial electrojet and equatorial ionisation anomaly over the east african region during the solar minimum period 2008-2009

This study analyzed the correlation between the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and the occurrence of equatorial ionisation anomaly (EIA) over the East African region. The study was carried out during both geomagnetically quiet and disturbed conditions when Kp index values were < 2+ and > 5+, respectively. The EEJ data were obtained using a pair of magnetometers located at Adis Ababa (geographic 9.04°N, 38.77°E, geomagnetic 0.17°N, 110.47°E) and Adigrat (geographic 14.281°N, 39.46°E, geomagnetic 6.0°N, 111.06°E), both in Ethiopia while the EIA data were derived from the total electron content (TEC) data that were obtained using a set of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers within the East African region. The data used were for the years 2008 and 2009. The TEC data over the crest of EIA were divided by those over the trough to quantify EIA strength over the region. The EEJ intensity was estimated from the difference in the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field observed by the pair of magnetometers. The results during quiet geomagnetic conditions showed that peak values of EEJ which range from 48nT - 110nT occurred between 10:00 and 14:00 LT. The EIA’s peak which varies from 1.20 to 1.45 occurs between 20:00 to 22:00 LT. The correlation coefficients were found to vary from moderate (0.58) to strongest (0.74). During geomagnetically disturbed conditions, the correlation coefficient ranges from 0.28 to 0.45. The increased eastward electric field and photo-ionization on TEC are responsible for the strong link between EEJ and EIA. This study reveals the trend in the variation of the strength of EEJ and EIA over the East African region which can be used as a basis for developing regional models to forecast or nowcast scintillations and the ionospheric space weather prediction over this region.

Language ideologies, policies and practices within the multilingual Kenyan context

Kenya is linguistically diverse with approximately 66 native and 8 non-native languages; out of which 33 are developing, 15 are vigorous, 2 are in trouble and 4 dying. Generally, actively used native languages in Kenya have been on the decline due to a number of forces such as colonisation, globalisation and language policies. This presentation focuses on educational language policy implementation in Kenya and illustrates its effects on the use of “minority languages”. The study establishes that language policies in Kenya are ad hoc declarations that have had negligible impact on the use of native African languages in schools and other formal settings. The policies greatly favor English following the logic of pre-colonial practices of assimilation and exclusion. English and Kiswahili, the regional lingua franca, remain the most prominent languages in formal education, overshadowing over fifty native African languages spoken in Kenya. English continues to be used in classroom and formal settings even in areas where native languages are dominantly spoken. Those who advocate for the use of English view it as a language of science and technology and that which propels one to a higher social status. English is also promoted as a language that helps to ease mobility within and beyond the East African region

Видеоматериалы о беджа в интернете: локальные и глобальные измерения идентичности

Introduction. The article considers the processes of identity manifestation and construction of the Beja people on the Internet. Materials and methods. The study was carried out as part of an interdisciplinary research of the history, anthropology, geology, and ethnography of the Atbay region in northeastern Sudan, initiated by Lomonosov Moscow State University. The authors emphasize the importance of the online space for the identity manifestation of stateless cultures. The analysis of online sources is preceded by a consideration of the historical conditions and special traits of Beja self-perception. Comments from YouTube video hosting users on videos dedicated to the history and culture of the Beja people are involved as sources for the study. Results and discussion. As a result of their analysis, four main patterns of Beja identity are determined: supra-ethnic cooperation with the “Arab world”; the association of Beja with the "pancushitic" community; and "ethnic identity" limited by the boundaries of the Beja community itself. The authors conclude that the Beja identity on the Internet is constructed in two dimensions: "global" and "local". The "global" level is represented by mainly the African diaspora, the "local" one – by Internet resources that are used by residents of the East African region. The findings made in the online study are compared with the ethnographic materials collected by the authors in Atbay region among the Beja Bishariin, physical anthropology data and historical evidence. Some excerpts from an interview with Mr. Onur, who comes from the Beja Ertega tribe (acted as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the Russian Federation until 2022) are also included in analysis. Conclusion. As a result of comparing all types of data, the authors conclude that the Beja identity exhibits a high degree of lability. It is suggested that the reasons for such lability may be related to the historical conditions of the Beja ethnogenesis on the periphery of ancient civilizations and to the significant heterogeneity of the historical population of the Eastern Desert in all the historical periods under consideration. @ 2023. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

Unhealthy weight among young children in the Middle East and North African region.

To understand early-life growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and how it has changed over time, we estimated the prevalence of wasting and overweight at ages under 5 years. Cross-sectional data from twenty-nine Demographic and Health Surveys with direct anthropometric data and parent-reported demographic information were examined. The study utilised the WHO Child Growth Standards to classify overweight (weight-for-height z-score ≥ 2 sd above the median), wasting (weight-for-height z-score ≤ 2 sd below the median) and unhealthy weight defined as either wasting or overweight. Nationally representative for nine of the MENA countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen). Children under age 5 from nine MENA countries between 1987 and 2016 (n 155 961). Across the region, at the most recent time point, between 7·3 and 23·6 % of children experienced unhealthy weight (Jordan - 7·3 %, Egypt -23·6 %); 1·7 and 16·6 % had wasting (Turkey, Yemen) and 2·0 and 15·0 % had overweight (Yemen, Egypt). Overweight was more common than wasting in all countries except Yemen and Mauritania. Between 1987 and 2016, the prevalence of unhealthy weight in the region increased (10·0-18·4 %) due to increases in both wasting and overweight. Boys had a higher prevalence of unhealthy weight than girls. Undernutrition continues to be a problem in some countries in the MENA region, and overnutrition is emerging as a health concern in many countries in the region. Countries in the region must advance programmes that reduce undernutrition while not overlooking or inadvertently promoting overnutrition.

Geothermal energy prospect for decarbonization, EWF nexus and energy poverty mitigation in East Africa; the role of hydrogen production

The affordability and availability of water and energy have a huge impact on food production. Research has shown that there exists a direct and indirect link between power production and clean water generation. Hence the inclusion/importance given to the energy-water-food (EWF) nexus in the United Nations' sustainable development goals. Acknowledging the importance of decarbonization to the global future, there exists a gap in literature on the development of models that can enhance the EWF nexus, reduce energy poverty, and achieve 100% renewable energy in the electricity sector. Therefore, the technical and economic prospect of geothermal energy for bridging the aforementioned gaps in existing works of literature is presented in this study. The energy poverty/wealthy status of a country has been confirmed to have a significant impact on economic development, as economic development is largely reflected in the food-water availability. Ditto, this study is focused on the interconnectivity of the EWF nexus while incorporating global decarbonization targets. Geothermal energy is of the utmost significance in East Africa due to its abundant potential and distinctive geological features. Located in the Great Rift Valley, the region has an abundance of geothermal reservoirs, making it an ideal location for geothermal power generation. This study is novel as a comprehensive assessment framework for energy poverty is developed and innovative models utilizing primarily the geothermal resource in the East African region to mitigate this problem are proposed and analyzed. The role of hydrogen generation from critical excess electricity production is also analyzed. The East Africa region is considered the case study for implementing the models developed. A central renewable energy grid is proposed/modelled to meet the energy demand for seven East African countries namely; Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti, Comoros, Eritrea, and Rwanda. This study considers 2030, 2040, and 2050 as the timestamp for the implementation of the proposed models. The hybrid mix of the biomass power plant, solar photovoltaic (PV), pumped hydro storage system and onshore wind power is considered to furthermore show the potency of renewable energy resources in this region. Results showed that the use of geothermal energy to meet energy demands in the case study will mitigate energy poverty and enhance the region's EWF.

Molecular characterization of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Jordan: implications on response to direct-acting antiviral therapy

ObjectivesTo investigate the molecular characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) detected in patients with chronic HCV infection in Jordan. MethodsThe study included 48 Jordanian treatment-naïve patients with active chronic HCV recruited from seven governorates. HCV genotype and the resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) profile were investigated by next-generation sequencing of the NS5B, NS5A, and NS3 regions of HCV. Results“Unusual genotype 4 subtypes” were detected in four (8.3%) patients (4n-n = 1, 4o-n = 2, 4v-n = 1); one patient (2.1%) was co-infected by genotypes 1b+4a. Overall prevalence of NS5A RASs was 38.3% (3% cutoff); genotype 4a showed the highest NS5A RAS prevalence (n = 11, 55.0%). Overall prevalence of NS3 RASs was 21.8% (7/32), all genotype 1a-infected patients. ConclusionsWe report, for the first time in Jordanian patients with chronic HCV infection, the detection of unusual genotype 4 subtypes 4n, 4o, and 4v. Baseline RASs in NS5A are frequent, with complex RASs patterns in some of the unusual subtypes. Our data support the need for sequencing surveillance programs in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and North African region to monitor response to treatment in these subtypes and to facilitate the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination strategy.

Has the heterogeneity of culture, investor sentiment and uncertainty altered bank stock returns in the MENA region?

PurposeThis paper has analysed the impact of cultural dimensions, investor sentiment and uncertainty on bank stock returns. Also, the study examined the influences of the interaction between cultural dimensions and individual (private) sentiment (investor sentiment).Design/methodology/approachTo meet the study's objectives, a two-step generalised method of moments estimator was applied to the study sample, which included 105 banks in the nine Middle East and North African region countries between 2010 and 2020.FindingsThe cultural dimensions of individualism and masculinity were found to have a positive and significant effect on banks' buy and hold stock return (BUH). At the same time, power distance and uncertainty avoidance were discovered to have negative effects. Besides, the findings revealed that the interactions of power distance, individual sentiment and uncertainty avoidance had positive and significant relationships with banks' BUH. However, individualism, individual sentiment and masculinity had inverse relationships with banks' BUH. Furthermore, the findings revealed that investor sentiment positively influenced banks' BUH. Finally, uncertainty influenced banks' BUH stock returns positively.Research limitations/implicationsImportant implications for participants in the financial sector and governments may be learnt from this study's conclusions. Due to cultural biases, this study's findings suggested that investors overreact in the stock market.Originality/valueAdditionally, this research comprises one of the few studies that have overviewed the link between classical and behavioural finance in MENA countries with distinctive cultural characteristics.

Predicting extreme floods and droughts in East Africa using a deep learning approach

The East African region is highly susceptible to severe floods and persistent droughts, which greatly impact the livelihood of millions of people. Early warnings, at least a few seasons in advance, would help implement mitigation measures. However, most prediction systems using dynamical models perform poorly at long lead times. In this study, we propose a statistical deep learning approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict extreme floods and droughts during the short rains season (October–December). The proposed CNN model captures the phase of extreme floods and droughts two to three seasons ahead, except for a few cases. By diagnosing the model’s skills using heatmaps, we find that predicted extreme floods and droughts are linked with the sea surface temperature anomalies of the Indian Ocean Dipole at shorter leads and with western and southern Indian Ocean, equatorial Pacific, and southern Atlantic Ocean at longer leads. Although there were a few poorly predicted exceptions, the superior skill of our CNN-based predictions at longer leads provides a significant advantage in developing mitigation measures.

Water Management Education in the East African Region: A Review of the Challenges to Be Addressed

Increased urbanisation coupled with inadequate awareness of the public on the issue of freshwater resource management has affected the use and the availability of freshwater resources in urban areas of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Lake Victoria has been the clearest example, with the water level decreasing 0.005 m/year from 1993 to 2016 causing an overall drop of 0.115 m. In order to develop sustainable methods for addressing these issues, this paper critically reviews the different legal frameworks used in each country (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania) adopted to manage the water resources and identifies the challenges faced by each legal framework applied. It also analyses the education systems implemented within these three nations to educate students at various levels about water resources and identifies the challenges involved in each system. Finally, suggestions are made for future research to be conducted to obtain specific benefits for better management of water resources in East Africa.

Multilevel multivariate modeling on the association between undernutrition indices of under-five children in East Africa countries: evidence from recent demographic health survey (DHS) data

BackgroundMalnutrition is the main cause of illness and death in children under the age of five. It affects millions of children worldwide, putting their health and future in jeopardy. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and estimate the effects of important determinants of anthropometric indicators by taking into account their association and cluster effects.MethodThe study was carried out in 10 countries in East Africa: Burundi, Ethiopia, Comoros, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi. A weighted total sample of 53,322 children under the age of five was included. Given the impact of other predictors such as maternal, child, and socioeconomic variables, a multilevel multivariate binary logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between stunting, wasting, and underweight.ResultThe study included 53,322 children, and 34.7%, 14.8%, and 5.1% were stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. Almost half of the children (49.8%) were female, and 22.0% lived in urban areas. The estimated odds of children from secondary and higher education mothers being stunted and wasted were 0.987; 95% CI: 0.979 – 0.994 and 0.999; 95% CI: 0.995 – 0.999, respectively, times the estimated odds of children from no education mothers. Children from middle-class families were less likely to be underweight than children from poorer families.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting was higher than in the sub-Saharan Africa region, but the prevalence of wasting and underweight was lower. According to the study's findings, undernourishment among young children under the age of five continues to be a significant public health issue in the East African region. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should therefore plan public health participation focusing on paternal education and the poorest households in order to improve the undernutrition status of children under five. Additionally, improving the delivery of healthcare at health facilities, places of residence, children's health education, and drinking water sources are essential for lowering child undernutrition indicators.

Еconomic development of the United Republic of Tanzania

Achieving balanced economic growth is one of the priorities of governments in developing countries. This is especially relevant for certain African countries that have such characteristics as a favorable geographical location and considerable demographic resource. The policy of the United Republic of Tanzania is an example of successful strategy, since the country not only demonstrates a dynamic growth of GDP, but also competes for regional leadership with neighboring Kenya. The object is the economic policy of Tanzania, while the subject is represented by national interests, resources, and the tools of management of processes of national economic growth. Because of this the article aims at establishing comparative advantages of Tanzania and the peculiarities of its economic advancement. The system approach is used in the article, since it analyzes the economic policy as the set of elements that interact with each other. It was found that Tanzania is a strategic player in East Africa in terms of logistics that at the same time enjoys an appropriate tourism potential, represented by Mount Kilimanjaro, the national parks of international importance, and the popular islands in the Indian Ocean. The basis of the national economic strategy is the focus on transport and tourist services, which can be considered rather unusual for the African continent. At the same time, Tanzania is trying to effectively use its opportunities in the fields of agriculture and mining industry and is also actively developing transport infrastructure in order to become a logistics hub in the region. Moreover, the country is taking steps to exploit the commercial reserves of oil and natural gas. Tanzania’s foreign economic ties play an important role. This state actor has Chinese orientation since Beijing is its main trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure projects. Tanzanian political elite is also actively diversifying its contacts by deepening the cooperation with Türkiye. The complex of these factors helps to ensure balanced economic development, as well as to gain certain advantages in the competition with Kenya for the leadership in the East African region.

Opinions and attitudes of research ethics committees in Arab countries in the Middle East and North African region toward ethical issues involving biobank research

Members of research ethics committees (RECs) face a number of ethical challenges when reviewing genomic research. These include issues regarding the content and type of consent, the return of individual research results, mechanisms of sharing specimens and health data, and appropriate community engagement efforts. This article presents the findings from a survey that sought to investigate the opinions and attitudes of REC members from four Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, and Jordan) toward these ethical issues. Our findings suggest that efforts are required to better familiarize REC members with the requirements for ethical biobank research. Additionally, we recommend that further research is undertaken with REC members regarding the main items that should be present in the Material Transfer Agreements /Data Transfer Agreements in their corresponding countries and the type of consent that should be used in genomic research.

The Application of Operations Research Information System Tools in Hospital Operations Management in Developing Nations

Hospital services in the developing world are always overwhelmed due to scarce resources compared to the demand from the public. Operations Research provides a set of tools that are very useful in the optimization of resources, hence providing a highly needed service in assuring that, the resources are optimally utilized to save lives and provide better healthcare services. This paper reviews applications of Operations Research information system tools(ORIST) in hospital operations to find ORIST status in developing nations like the East African Region.This study used a systematic literature review method and thematic analysis. Results revealed that there is a lot of OR work about hospital operations in the developing world. However, little has been reported from East Africa. A proposal is presented about research opportunities on hospital operations in East African regions by grouping applications into four areas namely; planning, management, medical practice and prevention. The paper concludes by inviting all stakeholders to cooperate and provide the necessary support to Operations-Research practitioners.

Assessment of CMIP6 model performance in simulating atmospheric aerosol and precipitation over Africa

Recent studies have shown that east African region experiences both extreme rainfall and droughts due to presence of atmospheric absorbing aerosols. As such, it is important to understand the Global Climate Models (GCMs) phase6 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) performance in capturing the climatological precipitation over the region. This study evaluates the ability of nineteen CMIP6 models in simulating the presence of aerosols and precipitation in both annual and seasonal variation over Africa and east Africa respectively from 1980 to 2014. The Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) aerosol reanalysis data and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) rainfall data have been used against CMIP6 datasets for validation. Model performance metrics were employed namely bias, root mean square error, spatial correlation coefficient, standard deviation and percentage bias (PBias) to assess the ability of individual models in simulating the two parameters over the study region. The quantitative analysis shows that most models are able to simulate both aerosols and precipitation over the study domain. Among the nineteen models evaluated, five (CMCC-CM2-SR5, E3SM-1-0, E3SM-1-1-ECA, NorESM2-LM and KACE-1-0-G) are showing good performance in reproducing aerosols over Africa. For precipitation, all the models are performing good except BCC-ESM1, CESM2-FV2, CMCC-CM2-SR5 and E3SM-1-1. In general, out of the nineteen models, no single model performs best in relation to observation. The performance of the models varies from season to season. Hence climate users are strongly advised to use projections of atmospheric aerosols and precipitation over the study area from CMIP6 models with caution for decision making on the mitigation or even adaptation of climate change.

Effect of urbanization on East African climate as simulated by coupled urban-climate model

This study examines the effect of urbanization on climate variability over East Africa. Seasonal trend of rainfall and temperature was analyzed using Mann-Kendall trend test and statistically significant rainfall trend is observed during spring (February-May) and summer (June-September) over northeast and spring/“bega”(October-January) seasons in southeastern regions of Ethiopia, thereby suggesting a seasonal shift of rainfall distribution. The temperature trend showed significant warming in the simulated field, except in central East Sudan, where there has been a significant decline. A numbers of idealized sensitivity experiments have been conducted with the Regional Climate Model (RegCM4.6) to investigate the contribution of urbanization to the East African region climate variability and trend. Model assessment against observed climate variables showed good performance in the simulation of spatial and temporal variability of regional climate variables. The results of the sensitivity experiment by prescribing different urban environments (tall building district (TBD), high density (HD), medium density (MD) and original land use) for the surface scheme (CLM4.5) reveal statistically significant impacts of urbanized surfaces on surface temperatures and precipitation due to variations in energy budget, local circulation and disturbance of hydro meteorological variables. It is noted that TBD urban environment has a higher impact on the local climate than other urban environments. Patterns of seasonal rainfall variability simulated using artificially urbanized land cover suggests involvement of complex interactions and is less similar to the observed rainfall trend, while surface temperature variability is significantly affected by local land-cover change and is very similar to the observed surface temperature trend.

The East African Community mobile laboratory network prepares for monkeypox outbreaks.

In response to the largest recorded monkeypox virus outbreak outside of endemic Central and Western Africa, the East African Community (EAC), in cooperation with the Bernhard-Nocht- Institute for Tropical Medicine, coordinated an emergency monkeypox diagnostic training for the East African Region. As of June 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo reported a steady increase of suspected monkeypox cases, increasing the risk of spill-over into the remaining six EAC Partner States. Within the existing EAC Mobile Laboratories project, laboratory experts of the National Public Health Laboratories of the remaining six EAC Partner States (Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan) participated in the workshop and were trained in the reception of suspect samples, DNA extraction and diagnosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The EAC region is now equipped with the tools to prepare and rapidly respond to any emerging monkeypox outbreak.