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Bridging Borders to Fight Avian Influenza: A One Health Success Story in West Africa


Bridging Borders to Fight Avian Influenza: A One Health Success Story in West Africa

From July 8 to 12, 2024, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, became the epicentre of a united effort to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This multi-sectoral workshop emphasised collaboration under the One Health approach to safeguard regional health and biodiversity.

In a collaborative effort led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, this regional workshop united policymakers, veterinarians, environmentalists, and public health experts develop a comprehensive strategy for the ECOWAS region’s preparedness and response to avian influenza outbreaks. With technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), working on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), and the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG), the workshop showcased the transformative potential of the One Health approach.

This workshop is an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding of avian influenza, strengthen our capacity for preparedness and response, and foster cross-sector collaboration. By working together, we can explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and build stronger networks to safeguard the health and well-being of people, animals, and ecosystems across the ECOWAS region – Stella Gaetani, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the German Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, a key partner of the meeting.

Germany has been a committed partner to ECOWAS for many years. Through the Regional Support Programme for Pandemic Prevention in the ECOWAS Region (RPPP), implemented by GIZ, and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German cooperation collaborates with ECOWAS institutions to strengthen regional systems for preparedness and response to pandemic-prone diseases, leveraging the integrated One Health approach.

A Looming Threat with Far-Reaching Impact

HPAI, commonly known as bird flu, poses a multifaceted threat—not only to the health of wild and domestic birds but also to human populations and ecosystems. Its rapid spread through wild bird migrations and poultry farms endangers biodiversity, livelihoods, and food security. Recent outbreaks have occurred in previously unaffected geographic regions, with a notable rise in infections among mammals, including large-scale outbreaks in dairy cattle across the United States. This has heightened global concerns about the potential emergence of a pandemic virus.

For the ECOWAS region, HPAI is a recurring challenge. Recent outbreaks have disrupted ecosystems, threatened livelihoods, and highlighted the critical need for a united response.

One Health: A Holistic Path Forward

The workshop centred on the One Health approach, a holistic framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives to address zoonotic diseases. This collaborative method was essential to the workshop’s goals: strengthening surveillance, harmonising responses across sectors, and enabling sustainable disease prevention measures.

For Dr. Kouakou Kouamé Alphonse, the West African Health Organization (WAHO) focal point of Côte d’Ivoire, operationalising the One Health approach and harmonising health programs across the region are pivotal steps toward effective disease control.

HPAI outbreaks are a stark reminder of how interconnected human, animal, and environmental health truly are. A regional, unified effort is imperative. He stated.

Connecting the Dots: The ECOWAS One Health Initiative

The One Health approach was the cornerstone of the workshop and played a pivotal role on the first day, during the technical validation of the ECOWAS Regional One Health Strategy and Governance Manual. These essential documents are designed to enhance multisectoral collaboration and provide a strategic framework for tackling HPAI across the region.

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© GIZ

On this first day of the workshop, we revisited the governance manual and the ECOWAS One Health regional strategy, with participants offering constructive feedback to enhance their relevance and applicability,” noted Dr. Lionel Sogbossi, One Health Technical Advisor at the ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC).

The unanimous technical validation of these documents by the participants laid a strong foundation for the workshop, ensuring they are now ready for political adoption.

A Growing Concern: The Spread of Avian Influenza

On the second day, Dr Serge Mpouam of World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) highlighted the alarming rise in HPAI outbreaks:

Between June and September 2023, outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza surged significantly compared to previous years, spreading to new areas where the disease had not been previously detected. He further emphasised the ecological impact: We have observed several instances of mortality among bird species, an increase in cases among mammals, and sporadic human infections.

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© GIZ

Considering this concerning trend, experts at the workshop stressed the urgency of establishing robust early detection systems and raising public awareness about the risks and transmission factors associated with HPAI.

Global Bird Flu Prevention: Mitigating Risks and Exploring Vaccines

The third day of the workshop centred on strategies to prevent and control HPAI. Dr Lionel Gbaguidi from the FAO introduced the “Global Strategy for Prevention and Control of HPAI,” highlighting the importance of the One Health approach and targeting poultry value chains to reduce the disease’s burden.

Dr. Gbaguidi proposed a three-tiered approach:

  • Global Level: Establish governance frameworks and communication plans while fostering international cooperation to advance research and build response capacities.
  • Regional Level: Strengthen surveillance networks, cross-border collaboration, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • National Level: Enhance laboratory capacities, enforce biosecurity measures, and educate farmers while securing political commitment and sustainable funding.

Following his remarks, Professor Bassirou Bonfoh, Director of Afrique One, emphasised biosecurity and the poultry value chain as central to HPAI prevention. He called for participatory risk analysis and highlighted the importance of community engagement and collaboration, calling on institutions to secure adequate financing to turn plans into actionable outcomes.

He stressed the importance of assigning clear responsibilities for environmental surveillance to enable rapid detection and response. “Now is the time to step up, align efforts, and take decisive action to keep avian flu at bay,” he concluded, urging institutions to work together to address socio-economic and health challenges effectively.

Finally, Dr Anja Globig from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut highlighted ongoing efforts by Germany and the EU to develop avian influenza vaccines. “The primary benefits include protecting poultry, reducing virus spread, and minimizing human infection risks,” she noted. However, she emphasised the importance of obtaining legal approvals, conducting thorough planning, and implementing robust surveillance to mitigate potential trade impacts and the silent circulation of the virus.

Assessing Risks and Proposing Solutions for Avian Influenza

Day four of the workshop focused on evaluating the risks and impacts of HPAI and devising practical solutions. Participants divided into three groups tackled specific challenges:

  • Group 1: Examined the effects of HPAI on captive birds across the ECOWAS region, analysing immediate and long-term impacts while brainstorming mitigation strategies.
  • Group 2: Investigated the virus’s effects on wild animals, including mammals, exploring how it spreads in nature and identifying ways to protect biodiversity.
  • Group 3: Focused on human infections, highlighting key challenges and proposing measures to limit the disease’s reach.
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© GIZ

The discussions revealed significant consequences of HPAI: declining bird productivity, increased human infection risks, reduced biodiversity, and the stigmatisation of wild animals. Overhunting, food insecurity, and water contamination also emerged as pressing concerns.

Despite these challenges, participants proposed actionable solutions, including enhanced data collection in parks and zoos, more strategic approaches to poultry culling, and targeted vaccination campaigns. These ideas were rigorously evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness, ensuring they could deliver meaningful impact.

This collaborative effort transformed a day of analysis into a day of hope, paving the way for smarter, more effective responses to avian influenza across the region.

Strong Recommendation for Tackling Avian Influenza in West Africa

Over five intensive days, the workshop addressed the complexities of HPAI preparedness and response in West Africa. Participants developed a clear and actionable roadmap to strengthen the region’s defences against the disease, including the following recommendations:

  • Boosting Data Sharing: Establish technical working groups to enhance surveillance data exchange between Member States and regional institutions.
  • Enhancing Wildlife Monitoring: Strengthen efforts to track avian influenza in wild animal populations.
  • Expanding Technical Networks: Create a dedicated wildlife management network to complement the existing regional animal health network of the RAHC.
  • Engaging Communities: Develop sustainable frameworks to involve communities in prevention, detection, and control efforts, supported by tailored education and communication materials.
  • Reinforcing Technical Training: Organise joint training sessions on HPAI prevention and control, using virtual platforms and resources like FAO’s online courses.

Dr Kouamé Kouakou Alphonse, WAHO Focal Point, praised the workshop’s collaborative approach:

This meeting provided an invaluable platform for rich and diverse discussions, allowing us to address challenges and seize opportunities for integrated HPAI surveillance across the ECOWAS region.”

Together, these efforts signal a united front to protect human, animal, and environmental health in West Africa, setting the stage for a stronger, more resilient future.

Insights from Experts

Interview with Stella Gaetani, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Stella Gaetani, German Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire
© GIZ

What are the specific objectives of the ECOWAS technical workshop on avian influenza?

The main objective is to strengthen the region’s preparedness and response capacities to outbreaks of HPAI, using the One Health approach. Specifically, the workshop aims to contribute to health and food safety by strengthening surveillance systems and facilitating rapid response mechanisms through collaboration among public health officials, veterinarians, and environmental specialists. It also serves as a platform to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and foster networks to protect the health and well-being of people and animals in the ECOWAS region.

How is the German cooperation involved in supporting these efforts?

The German cooperation plays a central role in supporting ECOWAS’s efforts to combat avian influenza. Through GIZ, we collaborate closely with ECOWAS institutions to enhance prevention and control mechanisms for infectious diseases. This includes capacity-building initiatives, improving coordination between sectors, and operationalising key public health infrastructures, such as the ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control.

Why is the One Health approach important?

The One Health approach is crucial because it recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Avian flu primarily affects birds but can also infect humans, especially those in close contact with infected animals. By fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, we can improve surveillance, ensure early detection, and implement effective control measures. Ultimately, this approach provides a holistic and sustainable strategy to combat zoonotic diseases.

Interview with Dr Anja Globig, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI)

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 Dr Anja Globig
© GIZ

What are the main risk factors for avian influenza?

Lack of biosecurity on poultry farms is a significant risk factor. Domestic birds often come into contact with infected wild birds or their droppings, particularly through shared water sources. Live bird markets and indirect contact via contaminated equipment or clothing also contribute to the disease’s spread.

How can these risks be mitigated?

Strong biosecurity measures are key. Farmers need education and training to adopt practices that minimize transmission risks. Early detection systems and rapid implementation of control measures are equally crucial. Importantly, providing financial compensation for farmers impacted by outbreaks ensures compliance with biosecurity guidelines.

Author: Laura González Gaitán, Interviews: African Science Communication Agency (ASCA)
December 2024

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