Improving pandemic prevention and One Health in the ECOWAS region

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The FC project Pandemic Prevention and One Health in the ECOWAS Region builds on the existing project Strengthening Epidemiological Services and Health Systems in the ECOWAS Region (PROALAB) Phases I and II and expands it to include a component on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Unstable economic and political conditions in the ECOWAS region are reflected in the inadequate health systems. The outbreak of the largest Ebola epidemic to date highlighted the failure of national health systems and international mechanisms for early diagnosis and containment of the epidemic. The need for a functioning epidemic prevention system was underlined by the Covid-19 pandemic. In combination with NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases), the population in the region suffers from a very high burden of disease. There is a lack of networking of research into NTDs and their comprehensive monitoring and reporting. The aim of the FC measure is to contribute to the development and strengthening of a functioning epidemiological surveillance system and to contribute to the fight against NTDs in the ECOWAS region. Three components are planned: Component I includes the continuation of needs-based financing of equipment and devices for national or regional reference laboratories and the improvement of laboratory competencies in important cross-sectional areas. Component II includes needs-based, application-based financing of measures to combat and control NTDs in accordance with WHO recommendations. Component III will strengthen WAHO capacities. The target group of the project is the population in the ECOWAS region and health personnel. Particularly vulnerable groups should benefit from the component to combat NTDs, as they are over-representedly affected by neglected tropical diseases.