WAHO, in partnership with several stakeholders, conducted an assessment mission to Benin from 20 to 24 January 2025 to analyse preparedness and response to the threat of the Mpox epidemic.
This initiative aimed to assess the effectiveness of the measures put in place, identify the challenges encountered and propose improvements to strengthen the response capacity to a possible epidemic outbreak.
The experts worked in collaboration with national authorities to share international recommendations, review existing public health measures, and analyse bottlenecks hindering the response. At the end of this mission, a roadmap was proposed to support ECOWAS countries in strengthening prevention, early detection and response to future epidemics.
WAHO also conducted the Mpox preparedness and response assessment mission in Guinea during the same period. This mission aimed to analyze existing systems, identify areas for improvement and propose recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of health systems in the face of the epidemic.
Discussions with national authorities made it possible to share strategic recommendations and explore avenues for improvement to optimize response management. The mission also helped strengthen cooperation between WAHO and Member States, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to emerging health challenges.
Beyond the fight against Mpox, this initiative is part of a broader dynamic of regional capacity building, enabling the countries concerned to improve their resilience to health emergencies and consolidate health security in the ECOWAS region.