The recent announcement of the expanded partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) marks a significant milestone in strengthening disease surveillance in Africa. This collaboration, known as the Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA), now encompasses seven countries, highlighting the dedication to enhancing public health frameworks across the continent.
Africa has long been grappling with a disproportionate number of disease outbreaks compared to other regions. The complexity and frequency of these health threats necessitate collaborative efforts; no single country can adequately address such challenges alone. The expansion of the HSPA is a vital component in boosting disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence throughout Africa, ultimately equipping nations with the tools they need to effectively detect and respond to various health emergencies—be they natural, accidental, or intentional.
The Background of HSPA
The initial phase of the HSPA launched in 2023 and targeted six countries: The Gambia, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, and Tunisia. The second phase, which will run from 2025 to 2028, will see Rwanda added to the list, further extending the initiative’s reach. The core of the HSPA is a collaborative surveillance model that interlinks health and security sectors, thereby reducing biological risks and fortifying surveillance systems at both national and international levels.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa and Deputy Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He stated, “HSPA represents an important step forward in building stronger partnerships for health security in Africa.” By connecting global, regional, and national players, the initiative will foster mutual exchange and practical action to enhance collaborative surveillance efforts across the continent.
Key Components of the Partnership
The partnership is focused on enabling countries to bolster their capacities in various areas, including:
Biorisk Management: Developing frameworks to mitigate the risks associated with biological threats.
Event and Indicator-Based Surveillance: Facilitating the monitoring of public health events and indicators that could indicate an impending crisis.
Genomic Surveillance: Using advanced techniques to understand the genetic makeup of pathogens, which is crucial for tracking and responding to outbreaks.
- Epidemic Intelligence: Establishing systems that can quickly gather and analyze data to inform timely decision-making in response to emerging health threats.
Training, guidance development, co-creation of implementation roadmaps, and hands-on technical assistance are integral to this initiative. These strategies ensure that implementation aligns with each country’s specific priorities and is integrated into broader national health systems for long-term sustainability.
Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director-General at Africa CDC, reiterated the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. He stated, “Within the framework of this project, Africa CDC will work with the Member States in mobilizing political will for biosecurity and surveillance.” He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts in light of the challenges posed by limited resources, which are critical for enhancing the continent’s capacity for the early detection, response, and management of biological threats.
Funding and Support
The HSPA initiative has received robust backing from the Government of Canada through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, which has been crucial since the project’s inception. The partnership anticipates additional funding from the Government of the United Kingdom for its second phase, underscoring the international community’s commitment to improving health security in Africa.
Looking Ahead
As the HSPA progresses into its second phase, the participating countries, backed by support from WHO and its partners, are set to accelerate implementation efforts. The overarching goal is to cultivate a healthier, safer, and more resilient Africa in the face of ongoing and emerging health challenges.
Recognizing that disease surveillance is a continuous journey, the commitment to shared responsibility, transparency, and innovation will be pivotal as African nations strive to protect public health. By leveraging the strengths of collaboration, the HSPA aims to underscore the vital importance of robust health systems capable of addressing both routine health needs and extraordinary crises.
In summary, the expansion of the Health Security Partnership to strengthen disease surveillance in Africa is a pivotal initiative, fostering collaboration and enhancing capacity across the continent. With the support of international entities and a focus on sustainable practices, African nations stand better equipped to confront the myriad health threats that confront them. The journey toward enhanced health security is ongoing, yet the strides made through this partnership offer hope for a resilient future.
