Lake Chad basin - The cross-border meeting of Douala (Oct 2016)

Cross-border meeting between the countries within the Lake Chad basin on strengthening cross-border collaboration in the area of surveillance and response to cholera epidemics.

Context

In the West Africa region and the Sahel, at least 30,000 cases and 1,000 deaths of cholera are reported each year with an average case fatality rate of 3.05% (WHO, 1999-2011). The trend is on the rise, with approximately 50,000 cases and 1,250 deaths per year between 2010 and 2015. In addition, many cases and in particular the community deaths are not reported. The performance of the epidemiological surveillance and of the system of information remain very variable from one country to another, and is far from being effective in the most at-risk areas.

The Lake Chad Basin, shared by Nigeria, Niger, Chad/Tchad and Cameroon/Cameroun, is one of the most affected area by cholera outbreaks in the region. Data analysis has shown that since 2009, the epidemiological profile of this region is of concern in view of the annual succession of epidemics and their impact.

Sustainable and effective management of issues related to cholera around the Lake Chad Basin passes through a strong collaboration between countries in terms of surveillance and early detection, exchanges of information and experiences sharing. Actions limited to one country will not prevent nor effectively control cholera outbreaks, given the cross-border movements and the intense exchanges between communities. Only a synergy of action between the four countries will make possible the elimination of cholera in this area. 

This workshop will build on the grounds of the Lake Chad basin - Abuja commitments 2010[1], and in the continuity from previous cross-border meetings: Douala (16-17 August 2011), Cross-border workshop/Atelier transfrontalier Maroua, Cameroun (2011), Harmonized Health in Africa/Harmonisation pour la Santé en Afrique (2013) and Lake Chad basin - Cross-border Meeting - Niamey, 2014. This workshop aims at improving cross-border cooperation and the monitoring of commitments agreed during the previous meetings. 

General and Specific Objectives

Contribute to the improvement of cross-border collaboration between the countries of the Lake Chad Basin in cholera outbreaks.

• Update the measures or initiatives implemented in each country in terms of preparedness, prevention and response to cholera epidemics in the past two years (lessons learned and prospects).
• Assess the implementation of the Niamey 2014 roadmap and update it (progress made and areas to improve)
• Analyze the issue of the management of epidemics and the risk factors in the border areas (including the link with other crises of the region)
• Formulate recommendations ambitious but realistic in view to strengthen the framework for cross-border trade and to accelerate the implementation of the roadmap.

Expected Results

R#1: A review per country of the cholera situation and actions implemented in the bordering regions (States for Nigeria) of the Lake Chad epidemiological basin (2014-2015) is carried out around: 

•  The preparedness, prevention and response integrated activities (Wash & Health)
•  The lessons learned and future perspectives;

R#2: A comprehensive assessment of the recommendations formulated out of the Niamey 2014 workshop is made; 

R#3: The framework of cross-border exchange developed in 2014 is reviewed and adapted to the regional context of the crisis related to Boko Haram and takes into account the ongoing initiatives; 

R#4: The Niamey 2016 roadmap is elaborated including action points to optimize its implementation in the new regional context;

R#5: A mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of the recommendations is adopted. 

[1] It should be noted that the Abuja Accords of 2010 are commitments beyond the cholera and beyond the four countries here considered to be in the Lake Chad.

To know more about cholera in Africa, visit the country webpages: Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun, Tchad.