Improving Epidemiological Surveillance of Priority Animal Diseases in West Africa – African Business

The 8th Annual Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Networks (RAHN) held in Cabo Verde from 19th to 23rd September 2022 provided an opportunity for the country focal points of the Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RESEPI) to meet and gather ideas for improving the epidemiological surveillance of priority animal diseases in the ECOWAS region.

Discussions among experts focused on the evaluation of the epidemiological situation of CBPP, PPR, rabies and foot and mouth disease, risk analyses already conducted, the capacities of Member States’ veterinary services in terms of geographic information systems and mapping, and the sharing of information on animal health.

Apart from Cameroon (a non-ECOWAS Member country but invited to the 8th RAHN) where good progress has been made in the collection and sharing of information, the various presentations highlighted the levels of prevalence of epidemics in the countries. They also highlighted the urgent needs for data collection, improved geographic information systems, training on risk analysis, equipment and transport (in Cabo verde, for instance, only one plane links the islands). A lack of surveillance and control plans in some countries or a shortage of financial resources can also lead to a limited pool of trained staff (Gibraltar).

The exchanges allowed for the identification of activities and the making of recommendations to the various stakeholders in order to support the 2022/2023 campaign. This includes (i), updating a basic risk surveillance program, (ii), supporting Member States in building capacities for risk assessment, mapping, (iii), strengthening the RESEPI network in countries to support strategic animal monitoring and emergency preparedness plans, (v), supporting the sharing and harmonisation data collection tools, and (v) establishing coordination and implementation for the training programme for veterinarians in the field epidemiology (ISAVET).

The Action Plan outlines the activities planned, the expected results, and the implementation strategy. It also includes a coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the activity. It also identifies the funding source, timeframe, and institution responsible for monitoring the implementation.

The Epidemiosurveillance Network is a complement to the regional institutional framework, which includes the Regional Veterinary Committee(RVC), established by the ECOWAS Commission (2010) and the Veterinary Laboratory Networks (RESOLAB Laboratory Network). This allows RAHC to coordinate animal-health initiatives in the region.

The annual meeting of animal health networks (CVO/RESOLAB and RESEPI), is an institution and is organised by RAHC in collaboration avec FAO, AU–IBAR, and their traditional partners. It serves as a platform to exchange ideas, evaluate the level of activities implemented during the past year, discuss on challenges and possible solutions, and plan for future actions.

Distributed by APO Group, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).