eHealth Africa Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Strengthen Emergency Response Systems Across Africa
eHealth Africa has officially launched a new Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) Strategy for the period 2026–2028, designed to significantly enhance emergency preparedness, coordination, and data-driven response systems throughout Africa. The roadmap was unveiled at a stakeholder event held in Abuja, Nigeria, with the primary goal of addressing systemic gaps in public health emergency coordination and enabling faster, more effective responses to disease outbreaks and other health threats.
Key Objectives and Components of the Strategy
The strategy is structured to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, donors, academia, and technical partners, to align priorities and improve collaboration in the public health domain. Drawing on over a decade of experience managing more than 35 Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) across the continent, eHealth Africa plans to focus on several critical areas:
- Strengthening Coordination Structures: Enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Emergency Operations Centres to ensure seamless communication and action during emergencies.
- Enhancing Real-Time Data Visibility: Improving the interoperability of health data systems to provide accurate and timely information flows, which is crucial for informed decision-making.
- Integrating Geospatial Tracking Systems: Utilizing advanced technology to support real-time tracking and response efforts, thereby improving the speed and accuracy of interventions.
- Developing a Skilled Grassroots Workforce: Building a capable workforce at the community level for early detection and rapid response to health threats, ensuring that local systems are empowered to act promptly.
Insights from Key Stakeholders
During the unveiling event, Ota Akhigbe, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at eHealth Africa, emphasized that the effective implementation of this strategy hinges on strengthening state and local capacities. She noted that while national frameworks provide essential direction, the real impact is driven by the ability of subnational systems to detect, report, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Similarly, Kazeem Balogun, Deputy Director for Supply Chain and Programme Delivery, stressed the importance of early detection at the community level to prevent outbreaks from escalating into larger crises. He highlighted that proactive measures at the grassroots are vital for containing health threats before they spread.
In a goodwill message, Oluyinka Olayemi of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention underscored the urgency of building resilient health systems amid declining external health funding. She pointed out that African countries must enhance their capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats independently to secure long-term health sovereignty and improve overall health outcomes.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The initiative reflects a broader shift towards integrated systems that ensure accurate and timely information flows during health emergencies. eHealth Africa stated that the strategy will support countries across the continent in better anticipating and managing public health emergencies, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and increased system resilience.
The organisation added that sustained collaboration and investment will be critical to translating this roadmap into measurable impact across Africa's evolving health landscape. By fostering partnerships and leveraging technology, the strategy aims to create a more robust and responsive public health infrastructure that can withstand future challenges.
