Strengthening Health Security in West Africa: Expert Calls for Multi-Sectoral Coordination and Sustainable Financing

Strategic Insights -

Regional health security experts gathered at the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025) in Abidjan, Ca'te d'Ivoire, to discuss the importance of multi-sectoral coordination and sustainable financing in sustaining health security gains in West Africa. Experts highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among countries, international organizations, and the private sector to address the complex challenges of health security. Speakers emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the One Health approach, which balances human, animal, and environmental health priorities, to prepare West Africa for future epidemics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Benjamin Uzochukwu of the University of Nigeria Nsukka emphasized the importance of strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that countries work together in implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR).
  • Chinyere Okeke, a lecturer at the Institute of Public Health, UNN, noted that funding gaps, procurement delays, and the inability to retain personnel continue to threaten the sustainability of health security initiatives.
  • Monstapha Grorigui, coordinator of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in Guinea, highlighted the REDISSE project's achievements, including the establishment of five major laboratories for testing epidemic-prone diseases and performing genomic sequencing.
  • Ali Sani, director of Planning and Health Information at WAHO, stressed the importance of strengthening veterinary services, with technical support from WHO, to ensure their full contribution to One Health initiatives.
  • Franck Berthe, senior livestock specialist at the World Bank, described the anchoring of health security initiatives within ECOWAS and member states as a key achievement, highlighting the establishment of One Health platforms at regional and national levels.
  • Olusegun Adeoye, a pharmacist and allied health expert, moderated the session on the One Health approach and emphasized the importance of viewing health security as an investment rather than a cost, stating that every dollar invested in health security yields an estimated return of 1.7 dollars in economic growth.

Statistics:

  • More diagnostic laboratories have been established across Nigeria, with over 5 major laboratories operating in the country.
  • International research collaborations, including vaccine trials supported by CEPI and WHO, are expanding, with over 10 research collaborations established in West Africa.
  • The REDISSE project has deployed a robust frontline surveillance platform, decentralised to community levels and integrated into multiple ministries, including Fisheries, Scientific Research, and Vocational Education.
  • Guinea has mobilised $13.2 million in response to COVID-19, and later supported vaccine procurement during the 2021 yellow fever outbreak.
  • According to Franck Berthe, every dollar invested in health security yields an estimated return of 1.7 dollars in economic growth.

Sources:

  • The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • The 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025)
  • The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
  • The Institute of Public Health, UNN
  • The Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in Guinea
  • The World Bank
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)