Integrated public health: the ECOWAS disease monitoring center rewarded for its leadership

The CEDEAO Regional Surveillance and Control (CRSCM) Center (CRSCM) was distinguished for its commitment to the “single Health” approach during the 5th edition of the Summit and Health Prizes in Africa (AHAS), organized by Zénith Global Health on April 24 and 25, 2025 in Praia, Cape Verde. This summit, which has become an unmissable event for political decision-makers, researchers, health professionals, members of the civil society and the private sector, brought together around 70 participants around the theme: “The only health and the planet approach: what implications for Africa? ».

The event has highlighted the concept “One Health”, which establishes close ties between human, animal and environmental health. An approach all the more crucial in the face of the emergence of zoonotic diseases and the degradation of ecosystems aggravated by the effects of climate change.

The Minister of State, the Family and the Social Inclusion of CAP-Vert, Dr. Elisio Freire, representing the Minister of Health, underlined the urgency of an integrated action, especially for vulnerable island countries. “One Health is not a simple vision, it is an absolute necessity to ensure resilience and protection of public health,” he insisted.

Present at this meeting, the executive director of the CRSCM, Dr Mamadou Diarrassouba, sounded the alarm on the resurgence of epidemics in West Africa. According to him, the 2024 CRSCM annual report reports 67 new foci of emerging and re -emerging infectious diseases, an increase of 31.3 % compared to 2023. “75 % of emerging human infectious diseases are of animal origin. MPOX and COVID-19 are striking examples, “he said.

Dr. Diarrassouba pleaded for a multidisciplinary approach, based on prevention, taking into account social determinants of health, and enhanced cooperation between actors in the sector. He also welcomed coordination between the CRSCM, the Regional Animal Health Center (CRSA) and the ECOWAS Environment Department in the operationalization of the “One Health” strategy.

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During panels and round tables, the CRSCM and its partners shared the advances of the regional platform “a single health” in West Africa, its objectives, challenges and perspectives.

The summit ended with a ceremony of awards celebrating innovation and dedication in the field of health. On this occasion, Dr. Diarrassouba was honored by Zénith Global Health for the strategic role of the CRSCM in the promotion of regional public health. A dozen distinctions have been awarded to greet the commitment of health professionals worldwide.

This recognition confirms the importance of the “One Health” approach in West African health policies and the urgency of uniting forces to build resilient health systems.

As a reminder, the previous editions of AHAS were held in Lagos (2021), Lusaka (2022), Dakar (2023) and Accra (2024).