West African Health Organisation adopts new tactical approach to prevent disease outbreak

The outbreak of different diseases in the world particularly in Africa has attracted alot of concern. In order to further curb the spread of diseases in west African countries, WAHO adopts a new approach to prevent disease outbreaks. It has been reported that the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), an agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is adopting a “one health” approach to combating emerging threats to public health in the region. This approach will in no time yield positive results which will level up with the expectations.

In addition, WAHO is the regional Agency in west Africa charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the health of the people in the sub-region through the initiation and harmonization of the policies of Member States, pooling of resources, and cooperation with one another and with others for a collective and strategic combat against the health problems of the sub-region.

Vice president of ECOWAS, Mr Edward Singhatey stated that the approach seeks a multi-sectoral collaboration with member states to curtail the spread of diseases in the region. It has been reported that Mr Edward made the disclosure on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the ECOWAS Health Conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Further more, he expressed optimism that the “one health” approach would help mobilise the needed resources to combat re-emerging threats to public health in West Africa. Also, he assured that west Africans stand a great chance to benefit from the approach as it is meant purposely to ensure that health security is guaranteed.

Also, via its second strategic plan, WAHO is implementing strategic orientations such as; support for quality improvement of the health systems of the sub-region, support for health services improvement in the sub-region, support for development of sustainable financing of health and Institutional development of WAHO. This is implemented through various programmes.

In addition, the West African Health Organization (WAHO) implemented a research development program in West Africa during 2009–2013 using the Knowledge for Better Health Research Capacity Development framework which has helped to improve health sectors in Africa.

WAHO has recorded numerous successes that have added value to the west African health sector. As a matter of fact, the organisation has received commendations on its wonderful projects implementation. However, west Africans are optimistic and as such await the positive effects of the ‘one health’ approach to combat the outbreak of diseases in their countries.