Health Sector: 15-Member West African States Meet, Brainstorm On Enhancing National Public Health Institutes

A four-day knowledge sharing technical meeting of 15 member states of West African subregion for the establishment of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) has opened in Abuja.

Discussions in the meeting  centres on the evolution of the establishment of NPHIs and exploring opportunities to address common challenges and mobilize resources;  the conditions for implementing continental and global directives and their implications in regional space; validation of numerous regional reference documents at Regional Center for Disease Surveillance and Control (RCDSC) level; Orient recommendations and decisions to the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers through the Governing Board of ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control, and guiding the regional and national strategies for preparing and responding to public health emergencies.

The meeting affirms collective commitment to advancing public health in the West African region.

The sharing of best practices and lessons learned from established NPHIs in the region constitute a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and growth.

According to the Director General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Dr. Melchior Athanase AÏSSI, “It reflects the spirit of cooperation and knowledge exchange that defines our collective pursuit of excellence in public health initiatives. By engaging in open discussions, we have the chance to fortify our existing foundations and identify innovative approaches to address current and anticipated challenges faced by countries in the development of NPHIs.

“Crucially, the discussions will also center around actions needed to accelerate the establishment and strengthening of NPHIs in West Africa. As leaders in public health, your insights and experiences will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of NPHI development in our region.

“Furthermore, exploring the roles of WAHO, Africa CDC, and other strategic partners in supporting this acceleration will foster a collaborative environment, ensuring that our shared goals are met with unified efforts.”

The participants at the meeting  comprised of Directors of NPHIs, leaders, Subject matter experts, focal points from existing NPHIs, senior officials from Ministries of Health, and technical and financial partners, who represent a diverse and knowledgeable assembly.

He expressed optimism that with the arrays of experts at the meeting, they can harness this diversity to formulate comprehensive strategies that will pave the way for the effective functioning of NPHIs throughout West Africa and beyond.

Dr. Athanase AÏSSI charged the participants to seize the opportunity to strengthen the regional public health infrastructure and contribute to the well-being of the communities.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Dr. Jide Idris charged that the workshop be made “a milestone event in our journey towards stronger, more resilient Public Health Institutes in West Africa.

“As we proceed with the workshop, let us remain focused on our objectives, open to learning from each other, and committed to the actions and strategies that will emerge from our discussions. This workshop is not just a forum for dialogue but a catalyst for tangible progress in public health across West Africa.”