Africa CDC Concludes Regional Review Meeting in Abuja, Se5 to Strengthen West Africa’s Public Health Response By Raymond Enoch
The four-day Regional Review and Coordination Meeting organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) concluded today in Abuja Nigeria, marking a decisive step toward reinforcing public health institutions across West Africa. The gathering brought together National Disease Surveillance Officers, directors, and heads of public health institutions from across the sub-region to review progress, exchange experiences, and sharpen the skills required for timely and effective emergency response.
Speaking to the press at the close of the meeting, Regional Director Dr. Kokou Nouwame Alinon described the forum as a catalyst for renewed commitment and regional collaboration. “This meeting has allowed participants to share best practices, learn from each other, and acquire the essential tools for epidemic preparedness and response,” he said. He noted that the meeting also validated Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) support priorities aligned with the needs of member states, endorsed these through directors, and drafted the Framework for the Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Platform (PHEOC), outlining governance, operational modalities, and mechanisms for continued collaboration.
Dr. Alinon stressed that Africa CDC would maintain focus on countries facing security and conflict challenges, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, underscoring that “disease knows no boundaries.” He emphasized the importance of the 7-1-7 principle, which promotes early detection, rapid notification, and timely response, ensuring outbreaks are contained swiftly and public health is protected. “These challenges are not insurmountable,” he added. “Bringing together this cadre of experts ensures that Africa CDC is prepared to respond efficiently and decisively.”
The meeting’s significance was echoed by Dr. Yusupha Touray, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health in Banjul, The Gambia, who commended Africa CDC for its ongoing efforts to strengthen member states’ public health capacities. He assured that national authorities would continue to collaborate fully, ensuring a harmonized regional response to health emergencies.
During the four-day session, participants documented the status of laboratory, surveillance, and Emergency Operations Centre capacities across 15 West African countries, reviewed Africa CDC and partner support to ensure alignment with national priorities, and advanced the creation of a regional PHEOC Coordination Platform to facilitate timely information sharing, joint actions, and mutual support during public health emergencies. The forum also fostered peer-to-peer exchange through a regional community of practice, creating a network of professionals committed to collaboration and continuous learning.
The successful conclusion of the Abuja meeting underscores Africa CDC’s pivotal role in bolstering health security in West Africa. By mapping, strengthening, and networking public health assets, the institution is ensuring that member states are better prepared to detect, prevent, and respond to public health threats, reinforcing a culture of regional cooperation and shared responsibility.
