Laboratory scientists across West Africa are sounding the alarm over deteriorating health infrastructures, warning that regional governments must urgently improve their ability to detect disease outbreaks before another catastrophe strikes. Speaking at a gathering in Lome, Togo, experts cautioned that the region’s readiness has slipped as attention has waned following previous crises. They argued that relying on reactive measures is a dangerous strategy, emphasizing that by the time an epidemic becomes obvious, it is often too late to contain it effectively.
The call for action comes against a backdrop of devastating historical precedents, including the Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016 which claimed at least 11,000 lives across Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Kossi Kabo, head of the Association of Medical Biologists of Togo, stressed that anticipation is key to survival. He urged leaders to move away from emergency responses and instead prioritize consistent investment in diagnostic capabilities and cross-border cooperation.
Current events underscore the urgency of these warnings. In Congo, a recent Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus has seen thousands of cases and deaths, with officials suggesting actual numbers may be triple what is officially reported due to delayed detection. Furthermore, the appearance of Hantavirus on a cruise ship near Cape Verde serves as a reminder that new threats can arrive unexpectedly via global travel routes.
Beyond just purchasing equipment or building facilities, specialists like Arthur Bodurie Calvin Garber of the Sierra Leone Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists insist that human capital is just as vital as hardware. There is a growing concern that without constant maintenance and training during quiet periods, health systems become brittle. To avoid total dependence on Western vaccines and foreign aid during emergencies, scientists argue that West African nations must cultivate their own sustainable expertise in surveillance and diagnostics now.
