West African Scientists Urge Stronger Outbreak Detection

West African laboratory scientists meeting in Lomé, Togo, urged governments to strengthen disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity and regional cooperation to prevent future epidemics. Drawing on lessons from the 2014–16 Ebola crisis and COVID-19, they warned that health-system maintenance and preparedness have weakened without a major outbreak keeping attention focused. The experts said the region’s dependence on vaccines and other supplies from Western countries also underscored the need to build stronger local public-health capabilities. Sierra Leonean laboratory leaders recalled that inadequate diagnostic infrastructure and limited engagement of qualified professionals worsened the Ebola response, emphasizing laboratories’ essential role in detecting and containing outbreaks. The conference is expected to produce recommendations for African governments on prioritizing prevention and improving epidemic response.