Africa CDC launches framework for cross-border health surveillance

ETHIOPIA — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a comprehensive strategic framework to enhance cross-border surveillance, coordination, and information sharing among African Union Member States (AU MS).

This initiative responds to the rising frequency and severity of public health threats that cross African borders, threats exacerbated by increased population movements, globalisation, and interactions among humans, animals, and the environment.

This framework’s primary goal is to improve AU MS’s ability to work together effectively in monitoring health risks, especially at critical points of entry (PoEs) such as airports, seaports, land borders, and nearby communities.

The framework aims to enhance coordination and governance by focusing on these key areas, building capacities at PoEs, and developing better data-sharing mechanisms.

Additionally, it seeks to strengthen risk communication and track population mobility patterns across the continent.

This strategic framework is vital for improving collaboration among countries and plays a crucial role in boosting Africa’s preparedness for health emergencies.

Given the continent’s overstretched public health systems and infrastructure, infectious diseases pose a significant threat. The framework aims to enhance the resilience of public health systems across AU MS.

Despite notable advancements in health service delivery in recent years, Africa remains under-resourced.

Currently, the continent is responsible for over 24% of the global disease burden while contributing only 3% of the global health workforce and investing less than 1% of the world’s health financial resources.

This disparity highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to emerging and re-emerging health threats.

Diseases such as Ebola Virus Disease, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and COVID-19, along with natural disasters and humanitarian crises, continue to challenge health security and economic stability in Africa.

Moreover, the rapid movement of people, animals, and goods, driven by globalization, further complicates the situation by facilitating the spread of these diseases through both formal and informal PoEs.

Considering these challenges, the Africa CDC emphasises the importance of establishing robust early detection systems for infectious diseases, enhancing emergency preparedness and response protocols, and improving infection control programs.

Moreover, investing in the capacity of healthcare workers at both national and regional levels is essential for strengthening early warning and response systems.

Recognising the critical need to tackle health challenges effectively, Africa CDC is committed to working collaboratively with AU MS to safeguard public health across the continent.

This initiative represents a significant step toward building a more resilient public health framework in Africa, ensuring that the continent is better equipped to handle health emergencies now and in the future.