The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), in collaboration with regional partners, has inaugurated a Lassa fever simulation exercise in Cotonou, Benin, to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response coordination across West Africa.
The five-day exercise (May 4–8) is being organised with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control, the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, and Integrated Laboratory Services.
Surveillance and laboratory officers from Benin, Mali, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso are participating in sessions focused on laboratory systems, infection prevention, risk communication, community engagement, and cross-border health coordination.
Organisers said the simulation exercise, coordinated by Dr Kerton Victory, U.S. CDC West Africa Workforce Development Regional Adviser, aims to improve preparedness and enhance coordinated responses to cross-border health threats.
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Dr Ali Chabi, Secretary General of Benin’s Ministry of Health, emphasised that regional collaboration and multisectoral coordination are essential in tackling emerging diseases. U.S. diplomat Shane Dixson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to advancing health security in the region.
Dr Herbert Kazoora, representing AFENET, stated that the exercise aligns with the organisation’s vision of “A Healthier Africa” and will help build resilient systems capable of rapidly detecting and responding to public health threats.
AFENET technical experts supporting the exercise include Dr Seogo Hamadou, Dr Donne Ameme, Dr Nestor Noudeke, Dr Marianne Bonkano, and Dr Victor Adeola.
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in parts of West Africa, causes annual outbreaks, underscoring the need for stronger regional coordination and preparedness.
