Submission ID 131641
| Issue/Objective | Timely detection and response to public health threats remain a major challenge in West Africa due to fragmented surveillance systems, delayed data sharing, and limited interoperability across sectors. To address these gaps, the West Africa Health Organization and the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) developed EcoAlert, a regional digital collaborative surveillance and epidemic intelligence platform designed to integrate multi-source data and strengthen real-time decision-making across Member States. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A programmatic assessment of EcoAlert development and related surveillance strengthening interventions was conducted for the period 2024 - 2025. Data sources included technical reports, stakeholder consultations, and outputs from regional coordination activities. The analysis examined platform design, interoperability features, integration with existing systems, and complementary initiatives such as Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) and regional data-sharing mechanisms. |
| Results | EcoAlert was designed as an interoperable platform integrating data from human, animal, and environmental health systems to support a One Health approach to epidemic intelligence. Key features include real-time data aggregation, automated alert generation, cross-border notification systems, and regional dashboards for outbreak monitoring. Complementary implementation of EIOS enhanced event-based surveillance through systematic scanning of open-source data. Strengthened collaboration with National Public Health Institutes improved reporting flows and data harmonisation across Member States. Regular epidemiological bulletins and technical feedback mechanisms further enhanced situational awareness and data use for decision-making. These combined efforts contributed to improved early detection capacity, faster information exchange, and more coordinated regional responses to emerging health threats. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The development of EcoAlert represents a significant advancement in regional epidemic intelligence and digital health innovation in West Africa. By enabling interoperable, multi-sectoral surveillance and real-time information sharing, EcoAlert strengthens preparedness, supports equitable access to timely data, and enhances coordinated response across countries. Scaling and institutionalising such digital platforms is essential to improving health security and advancing resilient and equitable surveillance systems in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain global context. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Victor Fatimehin ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Damola Olajide West Africa Health Organization Babacar Fall ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Mamadou Diarrassouba ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control Tome CA West Africa Health Organization Franck Ale ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control |
