Amid rising concerns over the spread of Aedes-borne diseases across Africa, the West African Aedes Surveillance Network (WAASuN) has intensified its regional efforts to boost surveillance systems and data-driven control strategies.
At its fifth regional meeting held in Accra, experts from across West and Central Africa, including countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Cameroon, gathered for three days to advance technical capacity in monitoring and responding to mosquito-borne viral threats.
The initiative, which focused heavily on data management and analysis, targeted the improvement of country-level preparedness in preventing and managing outbreaks caused by Aedes mosquitoes—vectors of dangerous diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The group’s efforts come at a critical time when Africa is experiencing intensified outbreaks, fueled by urbanization, climate change, and global movement.
Professor Samuel Dadzie, Chair of WAASuN and Associate Professor of Medical Entomology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, noted that the region has made significant progress over the past decade. “From just 20 per cent of countries having Aedes surveillance systems nine years ago, we now have nearly 80 per cent with active monitoring. This is a major milestone,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of building more resilient systems, citing the 2023 dengue outbreak that affected 22 African nations, and Ghana’s own struggle with dengue in 2024, as wake-up calls for coordinated action.
“Unlike malaria, Aedes mosquitoes require unique control approaches. We must rethink our strategies and integrate with existing malaria programs to maximize our resources,” Prof. Dadzie added.
Dr. Evans Buckner from the University of Florida, and a member of WAASuN, shared insights from the U.S., stressing the need for integrated vector management. “You cannot rely on one form of control. You need larvicides, adulticides, and environmental strategies working together,” she said. Buckner also highlighted that dengue is the world’s most prevalent viral vector-borne disease, often going undiagnosed due to flu-like symptoms.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, reinforced the urgency of the network’s work. She attributed the growing mosquito threat in urban Africa to population expansion, poor waste management, and inadequate housing—conditions that create ideal breeding environments for Aedes mosquitoes.
She called for a holistic overhaul of surveillance systems, stronger laboratories, and improved coordination to build resilience against the looming health threat.
The conference, themed “Building Resilient Systems to Prevent and Mitigate Aedes-borne Disease Outbreaks in Africa,” ends with a renewed commitment by WAASuN and partners to strengthen early detection, share knowledge, and act swiftly to prevent future epidemics across the continent.
