he Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) has reported a sharp rise in infectious disease outbreaks across the region in 2024. A total of 67 outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases were recorded, representing a 31.37% increase compared to the previous year.
Dr. Mamadou Diarrassouba, Executive Director of the ECOWAS RCSDC, disclosed this alarming trend during a two-day workshop held in Abuja, Nigeria. He emphasized that these outbreaks pose significant threats to public health, economic stability, and overall regional development.
The Impact of Climate Change and Socio-Political Tensions
Dr. Diarrassouba highlighted that factors such as climate change, socio-political tensions, and humanitarian crises have exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases in West Africa. He pointed out that previous health crises like Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated how these threats can disrupt economies and livelihoods far beyond the health sector.
Strengthening Disease Surveillance and Control
To tackle these challenges, the ECOWAS RCSDC is set to launch a Technical Advisory Council (TAC) to enhance public health monitoring and response. This council aims to strengthen the agency’s governance and align its operations with ECOWAS regulations.
Dr. Diarrassouba reaffirmed the RCSDC’s commitment to reinforcing prevention, detection, and response strategies across the region. He emphasized the importance of scientific guidance and stakeholder collaboration in combating the growing health threats.
Nigeria’s Role in Regional Health Security
Nigeria’s Minister and Coordinator of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali PATE, underscored the significance of the TAC. Represented by Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Professor PATE described the TAC as a dynamic platform for scientific knowledge exchange and technical expertise.
He further stated that the contributions of TAC members will be crucial in shaping responsive regional strategies, fostering innovation, and ensuring collaborative efforts to combat health threats.
Africa CDC’s Support for ECOWAS RCSDC
Dr. Kokou Alinon, Director of the West African Regional Coordination Centre of Africa CDC, expressed confidence that the TAC will play an instrumental role in supporting the ECOWAS RCSDC in fulfilling its mandate. He emphasized the need for continuous adaptation and vigilance in response to emerging health threats.
With the ECOWAS region witnessing a significant rise in disease outbreaks, the establishment of the Technical Advisory Council represents a crucial step in strengthening public health systems. Through enhanced surveillance, strategic governance, and international cooperation, ECOWAS aims to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases and safeguard the well-being of its populations.
