Malabo: Africa CDC and strategic health partners in Central Africa have outlined a joint 2026-2027 roadmap to bolster health security in the region. Central Africa faces significant challenges from recurring health crises and infectious threats, which test the resilience of healthcare systems and highlight the importance of an integrated, proactive approach. These public health emergencies underscore the need for collaborative efforts in addressing cross-border health threats.
According to African Press Organization, this joint planning process transcends a mere technical exercise. Dr. Brice Wilfried Bicaba, Director of Africa CDC's Regional Coordinating Centre for Central Africa, emphasized the importance of this plan in strengthening the regional public health architecture. It aims to enhance the interoperability of alert systems, improve data sharing and expertise, and facilitate resource mobilization.
The 2026-2027 roadmap aims to structure a response that aligns with continental and regional frameworks, including the New Public Health Order for Africa and the Africa CDC Strategic Plan 2023-2027. It also considers regional plans for public health emergency preparedness and response, cross-border disease surveillance under the One Health approach, the ECCAS One Health Platform, and the OCEAC's Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Dr. Peggy Raymonde Conjugo-Batoma, Head of the Health Department of the Commission of ECCAS, stated that the roadmap demonstrates a collective commitment to building a resilient community prepared for health threats. Coordination with Africa CDC and regional health organizations is crucial for achieving genuine health security in Central Africa.
Stakeholders have also developed a framework for coordinating and monitoring joint health initiatives in Central Africa from 2025-2027. This framework aims to establish effective coordination and accountability for implementing and evaluating regional health security activities while ensuring synergy among key players.
Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Health, Mr. Mitoha Ondoo Ayekaba, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening regional solidarity. He noted that the work reflects a collective commitment to facing cross-border health threats and showcases strengthened regional cooperation among national institutions, regional economic communities, and technical partners.
Mr. Ayekaba committed to overseeing the roadmap's implementation and advocating for political support. The inaugural workshop was praised by the Minister of Health and Africa CDC's partners as a model of multi-sector collaboration, leveraging technical expertise, political priorities, and resources toward a shared vision.
Dr. Bicaba noted that this marks an important step in Africa CDC's goal of building a robust, integrated, and inclusive continental public health system prepared for future health emergencies. Representatives in Malabo recommended developing collaboration protocols among institutions, integrating Africa CDC's Regional Coordinating Centre for Central Africa into decision-making and technical meetings, and strengthening Member States' capacities in health planning and coordination.