West African scientists warn of weakening health systems

Laboratory scientists in West Africa are warning that regional health systems are weakening, leaving the area vulnerable to future disease outbreaks. Meeting in Lome, Togo, experts urged governments to increase cooperation, invest in diagnostic capacities, and strengthen disease detection to avoid repeating the devastation seen during previous Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics.

Kossi Kabo, co-chair of the congress and head of the Association of Medical Biologists of Togo, emphasized the need for anticipation, stating, “We shouldn’t wait for an epidemic to emerge somewhere before responding. By then, it would be too late.”

The warning comes amid ongoing health risks across the continent, including a deadly Bundibugyo virus outbreak in Congo and the detection of Hantavirus near Cape Verde. Scientists expressed concern that without an immediate major threat, the maintenance of essential health infrastructure and personnel investment has waned, reducing overall preparedness.