A four-day conference initiated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) opened on Monday in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire’s economic capital, aiming to demonstrate the collective commitment of countries in the subregion to combat Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases.
“A localized epidemic in one country within the ECOWAS region is a potential pandemic, as it can spread to all member states. Therefore, the efforts of countries must converge to contain outbreaks at the source and prevent their spread,” said Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe at the opening of the conference, emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in combating epidemics.
Minister of Health Pierre N’gou Dimba affirmed his commitment to working with all regional and international partners to create a safer, more united, and better-prepared West Africa in facing health challenges.
During the conference, participants will exchange insights on best practices, lessons learned from previous health crises, and prospects for action at the regional level.
Discussions will focus on strengthening regional cooperation and cross-border surveillance, improving early detection and rapid response mechanisms, promoting scientific and technological innovations, and highlighting the crucial role of community engagement in epidemic prevention and management.
Lassa fever, first discovered in 1969 in the town of Lassa, Nigeria, is considered one of the viral hemorrhagic fevers most frequently exported to countries outside its endemic areas.
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease affects 100,000 to 300,000 people annually in West Africa, with approximately 5,000 deaths. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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