Conference Abstract | Volume 8, AbstractELIC2025430 (Poster 076) | Published: 04 Aug 2025
1Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, Nigeria, 2Foundation for Integrated Care (FIC), Abuja, Nigeria, 3Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Abuja, Nigeria
&Corresponding author: Afolabi Kamaldeen Kolawole, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, Email: kafolabi@ficare.org.ng
Received: 31 May 2025, Accepted: 09 Jun 2025, Published: 04 Aug 2025
Domain: Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Cross Border Surveillance
Keywords: Cross-border surveillance, zoonotic diseases, West Africa, epidemic preparedness, One Health, SORMAS, regional coordination
©Afolabi Kamaldeen Kolawole et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Afolabi Kamaldeen Kolawole et al., Evaluating cross-border surveillance systems for Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases in West Africa land border entry points: A systematic review. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2025;8(ConfProc5):00220. https://doi.org/10.37432/JIEPH-CONFPRO5-00220
In West Africa, porous land borders and high population mobility facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases such as Lassa fever and COVID-19. Despite efforts under the International Health Regulations (IHR), significant gaps remain in the operationalization of cross-border surveillance systems. This study systematically reviews the state of cross-border surveillance in West Africa, focusing on land entry points, zoonotic risk, and regional coordination.
A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AJOL, and Google Scholar. Keywords related to cross-border surveillance, emerging infectious diseases, and West Africa were used. Eligible studies included those conducted within ECOWAS countries or global studies that reference cross-border surveillance systems relevant to the West African context, particularly at land entry points. Focus was given to surveillance mechanisms addressing zoonotic or emerging infectious diseases. Data were extracted on surveillance system structure, operational gaps, digital tools in use, and regional or bilateral cooperation frameworks.
Thirty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Major findings revealed weak diagnostic and reporting capacity at borders, poor inter-country data sharing, and limited integration of animal health surveillance. Tools like SORMAS were underutilized due to technical and institutional barriers. Socio-political resistance, low funding, and lack of harmonized protocols hindered coordination. Few bilateral agreements or real-time surveillance structures exist at border entry points.
Despite regional recognition of the threat posed by cross-border disease transmission, implementation of integrated surveillance systems remains limited. Strengthening bi-national agreements, harmonizing digital tools, and integrating One Health approaches are crucial for improving epidemic preparedness in West Africa. Prioritizing zoonotic surveillance and community engagement at borders can significantly enhance regional health security.
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