Submission ID 117042
| Issue/Objective | The ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) is at the forefront of strengthening health security in West Africa, a region increasingly impacted by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The RCSDC was established to strengthen public health response capacities in ECOWAS member states, drawing lessons from the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak. It focuses on collaboration, excellence, and innovation to enhance disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and resilience to epidemics. The persistent burden of epidemic-prone diseases, coupled with challenges such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and humanitarian crises, underscores the need for robust surveillance and emergency preparedness systems. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study examines RCSDC's multi-pronged approach to enhancing health security through improved surveillance, early warning systems, digital health platforms, and public health emergency operation centers (PHEOCs). It assesses the effectiveness of regional strategies implemented in 2024, including the expansion of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) frameworks, real-time data sharing, rapid response teams (RRTs), and the establishment of emergency medical teams (EMTs). |
| Results | • Surveillance Expansion: Over 300 healthcare workers were trained on IDSR guidelines, strengthening disease detection and response capacities in the region. • Digital Surveillance Enhancement: Innovative real-time digital surveillance platforms were developed to facilitate early outbreak detection and cross-border collaboration. • Public Health Emergency Operations: The RCSDC trained over 24 PHEOC managers and supported SIMEX (Simulation Exercises) to test response mechanisms for Mpox and other outbreaks in the region. • Rapid Response Strengthening: 239 rapid responders were trained in the region, improving the region's capacity to contain public health emergencies. • Cross-Border Public Health Interventions: Implementation of harmonized PoE training, cross-border collaboration meetings to strengthen health worker capacities, and evaluation of training programs to enhance regional disease surveillance and response. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The integration of surveillance, digital health innovations, and cross-sectoral emergency preparedness has significantly strengthened health security in ECOWAS. However, challenges such as funding constraints, data quality gaps, and weak health infrastructure persist. Addressing these issues through sustained investments, policy harmonization, and capacity-building initiatives will be critical to enhancing regional preparedness against future health threats. |
| 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 |
