Submission ID 117406
| Issue/Objective | Effective outbreak management in West Africa is hindered by limitations in timely, accurate surveillance data. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has increasingly adopted digital platforms, notably the District Health Information System (DHIS2) and the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS). Despite this progress, significant gaps remain in regional interoperability, infrastructure, technical capacity, and data quality. This study aimed to assess current digital surveillance capacities within ECOWAS, identify major challenges, and propose strategic recommendations to enhance digital disease surveillance in alignment with health security and preparedness goals. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A mixed-methods assessment was conducted between July and November 2023, involving a literature review (2016-2023), structured surveys distributed to human and animal health surveillance units across 15 ECOWAS member states, and a regional consultative workshop facilitated by the West African Health Organization (WAHO). Responses were received from 87% of human health units and 60% of animal health units. The workshop gathered regional experts in surveillance, data policy, and health informatics to deliberate on identified challenges and collaborative opportunities. |
| Results | Survey results demonstrated diverse digital surveillance practices across ECOWAS member states. DHIS2 is the predominant digital platform for human health, while animal health data management tools remain fragmented. Approximately half of community-level data collection remains paper-based, compromising timeliness and accuracy. Major challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, limited internet connectivity, insufficient technical expertise among frontline workers, and interoperability gaps. Unanimously, member states supported establishing a regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) with a harmonized digital surveillance platform. Additionally, a wireframe for a regionally adapted digital surveillance platform inspired by SORMAS was developed and endorsed by member states. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Strengthening digital surveillance systems is essential to ECOWAS's regional health security. Urgent actions include harmonizing data collection methods, improving digital infrastructure, standardizing interoperable platforms, and enhancing technical capacity. The establishment of an integrated regional digital platform, featuring early-warning systems and real-time analytics, promises significant improvements in disease detection, rapid response, and cross-border coordination. Addressing these strategic priorities will substantially enhance ECOWAS's preparedness and resilience, aligning with broader global health security objectives. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Victor Fatimehin ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Babacar Fall ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Mamadou Diarrassouba ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control |
