AFRICA CDC CALLS FOR CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION TO CURB DISEASE OUTBREAKS
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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called for stronger cross-border collaboration among African nations to effectively prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases across the continent.
The continental health agency emphasised that diseases do not recognise borders, urging African countries to adopt joint surveillance systems, data sharing, and coordinated response mechanisms to combat outbreaks more effectively.
Africa CDC made the call during a recent forum where health experts and regional representatives discussed the continent’s preparedness and response strategies for disease outbreaks.
According to the agency, increased regional travel, trade, and human mobility have heightened the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases such as Ebola Virus Disease, Marburg, Rift Valley Fever, and COVID-19.
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It stated that community-based surveillance, improved vaccination coverage, and enhanced monitoring at airports, seaports, and land crossings are crucial in preventing the spread of such diseases.
The organisation also called for better coordination between neighbouring countries, stressing the need to harmonise protocols and strengthen information-sharing systems for early detection and response.
Africa CDC noted that despite several regional initiatives, many African countries still face challenges such as porous borders, poor funding, inadequate health infrastructure, and inconsistent data-sharing frameworks, which hinder effective outbreak management.
“The emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases across the continent underscore the urgent need for strong collaboration and information sharing between countries,” the agency said.
It added that Africa bears over 24 per cent of the global disease burden but has only about three per cent of the world’s health workforce and receives less than one per cent of global health funding, making regional cooperation essential to strengthening public health systems.
In East Africa, for instance, border states such as Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda have begun revitalising contingency plans and establishing cross-border health committees with support from Africa CDC and partner organisations.
The agency urged African governments to formalise cross-border coordination mechanisms, develop harmonised standard operating procedures for surveillance and outbreak response, and adopt a “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
It also called for joint training and simulation exercises among border health officials and the establishment of systems for real-time exchange of epidemiological data between countries.
Africa CDC stressed that a coordinated regional approach would ensure quicker disease detection, equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and minimise disruptions to trade and travel during outbreaks.
“Without robust cross-border cooperation, even well-prepared countries remain vulnerable to threats emerging from neighbouring nations,” the agency warned.
It concluded that the continent’s health security depends not only on national capacity but also on regional solidarity, shared surveillance systems, and collective preparedness.
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