Congo plans stronger epidemic response
Brazzaville conference concludes with calls to boost surveillance and research for regional health security.
Republic of Congo's regional integration minister, Ludovic Ngatsé, announced on November 4 in Brazzaville that a recent conference will help the sub-region enhance its capacity to fight epidemics. The meeting's conclusions urge strengthening surveillance systems, consolidating the "One Health" approach, developing human resources, and promoting research and innovation to build a regional health security community.
Health professionals from Central and West Africa shared experiences over two days, formulating recommendations to prevent and manage health crises. These include sustainable financing, maintaining calm during crises, applying the "One Health" approach, and prioritizing prevention, as crisis management is more costly than prevention. CEMAC vice-president Assamba Angondo stated that health security is essential for stability and prosperity, as a country's epidemic prevention capacity contributes to its neighbors' security.
Minister Ngatsé praised the conference's exchanges and reaffirmed Congo's commitment to supporting this collective ambition and strengthening health response nationally and regionally. The conference highlighted that cooperation is a necessity for regional health security.
Why it mattersThe Republic of Congo is working with neighboring countries to improve epidemic prevention and response, which directly affects the health and safety of its citizens.