Framework unveiled to strengthen surveillance

In response to the challenge of the emerging and reemerging infectious diseases across the continent, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, or Africa CDC, has developed a continental strategic framework to strengthen cross-border surveillance, coordination and information sharing among African Union member states.

The continental strategic framework is designed to address the increasing frequency and magnitude of cross-border public health threats in the continent, which are driven by population movements, globalization, and human, animal and environmental interactions within the ecosystems.

It will focus on points of entry, including airports, seaports, land borders and adjoining communities.

The framework will enhance coordination and governance, build capacities at points of entry, improve data-sharing mechanisms, strengthen risk communication, and monitor population mobility patterns across the continent.

The Africa CDC said the strategic framework will bolster the continent's preparedness and response to health emergencies, contributing to the overall resilience and robustness of public health systems in the continent.

Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola virus disease, Marburg, Rift Valley fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and COVID-19, alongside natural disasters and humanitarian crises, continue to pose substantial health, security and economic challenges in Africa.

The spread of the diseases has been exacerbated by the high mobility of people, animals and goods across the continent in the light of globalization. This has underlined the necessity for robust early detection of the diseases.

This is in addition to emergency preparedness and response, infection control programs and enhanced capacity for healthcare workers at national and regional levels, which is expected to improve the early warning and response systems.

Africa is currently grappling with the mpox and Marburg disease outbreaks. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country worst affected by mpox, more than 30,000 suspected cases of mpox and more than 900 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the year, according to United Nations Children's Fund.

edithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn