By Bunmi Yekini
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has intensified efforts to curb the spread of Mpox in West and Central Africa, focusing on border health systems and mobile populations often excluded from national health plans.
Working with governments and international partners, IOM has deployed technical experts, surge teams, and logistical support to reinforce disease surveillance at borders, improve coordination, and map mobility patterns for targeted interventions.
“Health is a right that must extend to everyone, including people on the move,” said Sylvia Ekra, IOM’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Frontline responders, especially those in border areas, need the tools and training to detect, prevent, and respond swiftly. Mobile communities must not be left behind in access to health services, as protecting their rights is critical to protecting public health.”
Border regions are particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks due to heavy cross-border movement, porous boundaries, and weak health infrastructure. Limited resources and surveillance gaps further complicate containment, making cross-border collaboration vital.
In Guinea, more than 166,000 travelers have already been screened and vaccinated at 12 points of entry by 60 IOM-trained community agents. In Sierra Leone, mobility mapping exercises in Port Loko, Kambia and the Western Urban Area are guiding prevention efforts, while in Togo, 50 trained volunteers are reinforcing disease surveillance and referral systems across 15 points of entry. Ghana recently hosted a two-day strategic engagement with IOM, WHO, and partners to strengthen preparedness under the Health, Border and Mobility Management Framework.
The framework is designed to help governments understand the role of human mobility in disease spread, support surveillance and outbreak response, and develop long-term mobility-sensitive health systems.
Although Mpox is no longer classified as a global health emergency, IOM warns that the threat persists. “Border areas remain on the frontline of vulnerability,” Ekra stressed.
Despite the urgency, IOM says funding remains dangerously low. Of the USD 46 million appeal launched for preparedness and response in Africa, only 10 percent has been secured. The Organization is urging donors and partners to step in quickly to sustain interventions, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen health systems across the region.