Are we ready for arbovirus threats? Self-assessment of national preparedness in four African countries

Authors: Poe Poe Aung, Shobiechah Aldillah Wulandhari, Athanase Badolo, Ardjouma Pagabelem, Jubilate Minja, Jackline Mosha, Constant GN Gbalegba, Yao Lucien Konan, Rosine Z Wolie, Ndongo Chanceline Bilounga, Basile Kamgang, Marie-Lumière Ntyam Mbo, Sian Clarke, Leo Braack

Further efforts are needed to enhance surveillance and control measures for Aedes-borne arboviral diseases and develop related policies to boost countries' preparedness for disease outbreaks in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania.

Vector-borne diseases represent approximately 17 percent of the global burden of communicable diseases, with a disproportionate impact on low-income countries. In recent years, several West African countries have experienced significant resurgences of both yellow fever and dengue. In 2021, a World Health Organization survey revealed significant gaps in the African region's capacity to combat arboviruses, including dengue. To understand countries' capacity in preparedness for arbovirus surveillance and response, we undertook an assessment of country readiness in capacity and preparedness in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania in 2024, under the Resilience Against Future Threats (RAFT) initiative. 

This poster was presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, held on 9-13 November in Toronto, Canada.