Leaders from West Africa have united to prioritise the reinforcement of national public health institutes (NPHIs) in the region, during a workshop for directors of NPHIs held on Monday in Abuja.
The initiative aligns with the resolution adopted at the 47th ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments in 2015, which led to the establishment of the ECOWAS Regional Centre of Disease Surveillance and Control. This resolution aims to create a regional network of NPHIs, enhancing countries’ capacities to prevent, detect early and respond effectively to major public health threats.
Director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris emphasised the significance of this endeavour in strengthening resilient public health systems to tackle emerging health threats, aligning with the Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order agenda.
Idris highlighted that the collaborative effort sought to enhance capacity, resources, and expertise within the NPHIs, demonstrating a collective commitment to advancing public health and improving the well-being of West African populations.
Director-general of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr. Melchior Athanase characterised the gathering as a testament to the collective commitment to advancing public health in the region. He emphasised that the outlined objectives were pivotal in addressing the evolving public health landscape and fostering collaboration.
“The sharing of best practices and lessons learned from established NPHIs in the region is a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and growth,” Athanase stated, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and knowledge exchange defining the pursuit of excellence in public health initiatives.
The discussions centred around actions needed to accelerate the establishment and strengthening of NPHIs in West Africa. Athanase highlighted the importance of leaders’ insights and experiences in shaping the future trajectory of NPHI development, emphasising a collaborative approach with entities such as WAHO, Africa CDC and other strategic partners.
Acting deputy director of Africa CDC, Dr. Tajudeen Raji outlined the organisation’s focus on building a resilient health system for Africa, which includes strengthened public health institutions, workforce expansion, increased vaccine and diagnostic manufacturing, therapeutic advancements and enhanced domestic resources for health security.
Raji expressed the importance of a legal framework for NPHIs, ensuring their purpose and continuity in the region. The workshop, attended by representatives from 14 West African countries and organisations like Africa CDC, US CDC and IANPHI, aimed to exchange best practices, foster collaboration and devise strategies for expediting NPHI development, particularly in response to public health threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting marks a significant step towards a unified approach to public health in the West African region.
