ECSA-HC Participates in WHA Side Event on Cross-Border Health Surveillance

📅 19 May 2025 | 🏛️ International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Geneva, Switzerland

As part of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) participated in a high-level side event hosted by the World Bank Group, focusing on “Strengthening Regional Collaboration and Data Sharing to Address Cross-Border Health Emergencies: A Case Study of Mpox and Beyond.”

The event brought together leaders from national ministries of health, international organizations, and technical agencies to discuss coordinated approaches to disease surveillance and emergency response across borders in the African region.
🎯 Key Themes:

• Strengthening cross-border disease surveillance systems
• Enhancing regional data sharing and early warning capabilities
• Using Mpox as a model for managing emerging infectious diseases
• Fostering multisectoral and regional collaboration mechanisms

👥 Notable Speakers Included:

• Dr. Mike Ryan – World Health Organization (WHO)
• Dr. Abdou Salam Gueye – WHO Regional Office for Africa
• Dr. Ngashi Ngongo – UNICEF
• Dr. Juan Pablo Uribe – World Bank Global Director for Health

🌐 ECSA-HC’s Contribution:

• ECSA-HC reaffirmed its commitment to:
  • Supporting Member States in developing integrated surveillance systems
  • Promoting real-time data sharing across borders
  • Aligning efforts with the regional strategy for health security and resilience

The event underscored the importance of collective preparedness and regional action in addressing cross-border health threats. The discussions will inform continued efforts across ECSA member states to strengthen disease intelligence and early detection mechanisms.