Central and West African nations coordinate response to health and refugee crises

Several African nations are intensifying regional cooperation to address escalating health threats and humanitarian challenges. In Douala, Cameroon, health officials from Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic are meeting to coordinate responses to cholera, Mpox, and Ebola. This cross-border effort aims to improve epidemiological surveillance and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in the Lake Chad basin where cholera transmission remains active.

Simultaneously, the Health Security Programme (HeSP) has launched its third phase in Brazzaville, Congo. This regional initiative involves approximately 180 delegates from across Central and West Africa, focusing on harmonizing health alerts and strengthening epidemic prevention. The World Bank is supporting the program, emphasizing that proactive investment in health security is more cost-effective than reacting to full-scale crises.

In a separate humanitarian effort, a tripartite commission including Chad, the Central African Republic, and the UNHCR is meeting in N’Djamena. The discussions focus on the voluntary repatriation of Central African refugees currently residing in Chad. The goal is to establish practical modalities for a safe and dignified return, building on previous regional declarations and strategic frameworks aimed at finding sustainable solutions for displaced populations.