Nigeria and Africa CDC to Establish West Africa Regional Collaborating Center

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024. The Nigerian Government and the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed an agreement to establish the West Africa Regional Collaborating Center (RCC). The signing ceremony was held in Abuja, Nigeria at the 25th meeting of the ECOWAS Assembly of Health Ministers.

The agreement was formalized by Dr. Jean Kasaya, Director General of Africa CDC, and Prof. Ali Pate, Nigeria's coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing health security across Africa.

Dr. Kasaya stated that the agreement represents a critical step in actualizing an 'Africa CDC without walls'. He emphasized the strategic importance of RCCs in decentralizing health support and resources across Africa, stating, "The move will make health interventions more accessible and efficient."

"The RCCs are designed to support Africa CDC's strategic work plan, reinforcing health security from a decentralized point of need," said Dr. Kasaya. The establishment of the West Africa RCC is a sign of Nigeria's commitment to regional health.

Prof. Ali Pate also highlighted the importance of this agreement for Nigeria and the broader West African region. "This partnership underscores our commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring that our health systems are robust and responsive to emerging threats," he said.

The RCC will serve as a hub for coordinating health initiatives, sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among West African nations. It also aims to enhance the region's capacity to respond to public health emergencies and improve overall health and will focus on five key areas:

• Disease surveillance and early warning systems

• Improving the ability of health systems to detect, monitor and respond to disease outbreaks

• Building resilient health systems and developing robust healthcare infrastructures

• Promoting research and innovation to tackle health threats in Africa

• Strengthening regional collaboration and coordination

The agreement also aligns with the broader goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and healthy Africa. By strengthening regional health systems and promoting innovation, the RCC will contribute to achieving these long-term objectives.

The signing of the West Africa RCC Hosting Agreement represents a significant step towards enhancing health security and cooperation across the African continent. It also aligns with the broader goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063 which envisions a prosperous and healthy Africa.

By strengthening regional health systems and promoting innovation, the RCC will contribute to achieving these long-term objectives.

Source: The Guardian Newspaper.

Published: May 20, 2024

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