Twelve African countries have formed a regional coalition to bolster cross-border cooperation in preventing and responding to disease outbreaks, particularly mpox. This move comes in the wake of a concerning rise in mpox infections across the continent, with over 16,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,100 deaths reported in 22 African nations by early 2025.
Recognizing that epidemics transcend national boundaries, these countries are prioritizing joint action to reinforce collaboration, improve coordination, and enhance governance structures. The participating nations Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic have committed to a unified strategy following a high-level regional meeting in Nairobi focused on mpox and other public health emergencies.
A key outcome of the meeting was a multilateral agreement aimed at addressing challenges in cross-border disease transmission, improving data-sharing frameworks, and managing the movement of populations during outbreaks. The agreement is also expected to help unlock financial and technical resources that are essential for sustainable and long-term health responses.
The regional coalition will work closely with development partners, civil society organizations, and health experts to establish more robust disease surveillance systems, strengthen laboratory and clinical response capacities, and harmonize policy frameworks. These efforts are designed to ensure rapid detection, reporting, and containment of mpox and other infectious diseases, especially in areas where borders are porous and health infrastructure is limited.
The meeting emphasized the importance of regional integration, not only in emergency responses but also in building resilient health systems. The participating countries highlighted the need for innovative, transparent, and flexible approaches to maximize available resources and improve efficiency. Greater emphasis will also be placed on capacity building, sustainable financing, vaccination strategies, and risk communication.
Increased investment in local healthcare systems was identified as a priority, alongside fostering community engagement to enhance public trust in health interventions. Participants agreed that a united regional response is vital to addressing both current outbreaks and preparing for future health threats.
Discussions at the event also acknowledged the importance of aligning national policies with regional and continental strategies. The approach aims to reduce duplication, facilitate the rapid deployment of medical teams and resources, and improve access to essential health services across borders. Stronger coordination among African nations is expected to minimize the impact of health crises on vulnerable populations, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas.
With the backing of global health and development institutions, the coalition seeks to create a platform for continuous collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation. This collective commitment demonstrates a significant step forward in Africa’s efforts to take ownership of its health challenges and craft homegrown solutions that reflect the continent’s realities.
As health emergencies such as mpox continue to pose transnational threats, the coordinated response from these twelve nations signals a new era of solidarity and regional integration in public health. The groundwork laid at this gathering provides a foundation for long-term resilience and a stronger, more unified approach to combating disease outbreaks across Africa.
