WASHINGTON, USA – To strengthen surveillance systems and enhance public health preparedness across the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the ministry of health of Brazil, convened a virtual technical meeting today with representatives from PAHO member states.
The meeting took place one month after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In light of the evolving global situation, and following the recent investigation of suspected Ebola cases in Brazil that were subsequently ruled out, the meeting provided a timely opportunity to exchange operational experiences and technical guidance in a Region where experience managing Ebola virus disease has historically been limited.
During the session, experts from Africa CDC and WHO AFRO shared their extensive experience in outbreak preparedness and response, highlighting key operational considerations related to surveillance, border health measures, contact tracing, quarantine procedures, laboratory readiness, clinical management, and infection prevention and control (IPC).
“Health security in an interconnected world demands anticipation and global solidarity. While Ebola transmission is not part of the historical epidemiological landscape of the Americas, the current situation calls on us to act with the utmost responsibility and a preventive approach. By joining efforts across two WHO regional offices —namely the Americas and Africa— together with Africa CDC and the Ministry of Health of Brazil, we are equipping our National IHR Focal Points with updated technical tools to ensure effective early warning and protect our populations,” said Dr Ciro Ugarte, PAHO health emergencies director.
The meeting brought together national public health authorities, International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Points, and technical experts from across the Americas, reaffirming the region’s commitment to strengthening the core capacities required under the International Health Regulations (2005) and to fostering collaboration and information sharing with African partners with direct experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks.