Lagos, 26 July 2022 (TDI): Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region has launched a new partnership to improve epidemic preparedness.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between African Risk Capacity (ARC), the West African Health Organization (WAHO), and Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) that establishes a framework for collaboration on the matter.
Press Release on tripartite collaboration b/w @OoasWaho, @ARCapacity & @PasteurDakar, for strengthening epidemic preparedness & response in the ECOWAS region through innovative financing, risk mgmt., & sharing of technical expertise for greater impact! @Ecowas_cdc @AFRICATALYST1 pic.twitter.com/U5MmilJPvQ
— WAHO | OOAS (@OoasWaho) July 26, 2022
Tripartite agreement
Through this new partnership agreement, the three institutions have formalized their innovative alliance which will bring together innovative finance, policy, and technical expertise to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response in the ECOWAS region and beyond.
For several years, IPD, ARC, and WAHO have been actively involved in efforts to mitigate the adverse impact of health emergencies in the ECOWAS region, in line with their respective mandate and in collaboration with various partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
The alliance will facilitate their collaborative efforts to mitigate the negative impact of acute health emergencies in East Africa.
This will include building sustainable capacities in ECOWAS member states and harnessing state-of-the-art technologies to forge access. There was also a discussion on innovative financing mechanisms.
PRESS RELEASE
The @ARCapacity, @OoasWaho, and @PasteurDakar have established an Alliance to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response
Read more : https://t.co/XKOD7Ib8mr pic.twitter.com/Zl0LEWNoRd— AFRICATALYST (@AFRICATALYST1) July 25, 2022
Strengthening epidemic preparedness in Africa
The agreement also aims to bolster epidemic preparedness in Africa. It will, however, also emphasize gender sensitivity to epidemic response and preparedness. BMGF funding will also play a catalytic role in the activities planned under this agreement. The funding will support efforts to help coordinate and advance the common framework of epidemic preparedness.
The agreement also supplements the existing bilateral agreements between the signatories ARC, WAHO and IPD under a new partnership.
 region is set to improve epidemic preparedness through a new partnership...Read More.){kind=link}