Hot Source
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its Regional One Health Strategic Plan (2025–2029) to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and cross-sector collaboration across member states.
The plan, announced on World One Health Day in Abuja, was developed through joint efforts of the Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC), and the Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with regional and global health stakeholders.
According to ECOWAS, the strategic plan will drive the integration of human, animal, and environmental health systems to ensure faster response to emerging disease threats. It focuses on six thematic areas — coordination, surveillance and laboratory systems, preparedness and response, workforce development, research, and advocacy.
The ECOWAS Regional One Health Secretariat said the initiative builds on years of progress, including improved disease surveillance capacity, simulation exercises, leadership training, and digital data-sharing platforms.
However, the Commission noted ongoing challenges such as limited data sharing, fragmented systems, and a lack of harmonised health protocols among member states.
To address these gaps, ECOWAS outlined five key actions — strengthening political commitment, operationalising the strategic plan, deploying interoperable surveillance systems, enhancing multisectoral training, and promoting transparent research and data sharing.
It also called for stronger public–private partnerships and international cooperation to sustain One Health interventions.
ECOWAS reaffirmed its resolve to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient West Africa through collaborative action, aligning the initiative with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the region’s broader vision of an “ECOWAS of the People.”
The post ECOWAS launches 2025–2029 One Health plan to tackle regional disease threats appeared first on The Herald ghana.
