Module D: Transcript and References
Communication and Coordination in the ECOWAS Region
Welcome back. It’s great to e-see you.
In this module, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the “The Regional Strategy for Communication and Coordination Between Institutions in the ECOWAS Region for the Control of Epidemics” – a document designed – to introduce and/or enhance mechanisms for communication and coordination between WAHO, RCSDC, ECOWAS Commission, RAHC, and NCIs. And other stakeholders in epidemic prevention and control.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
· Describe the objectives of the regional strategy
· Explain the thematic areas included in the strategy
· Demonstrate ways to improve communication and coordination among stakeholders
Where were we? Ah, yes.
West Africa is graced with bountiful resources, including a broad array of people, organizations, and institutions dedicated to the health of people in the ECOWAS region. Over time, these institutions, stakeholders, and partners have grown in number, capacity, and capability.
We’ve seen them mobilize in heroic efforts, such as during the response to Ebola in 2014-2016. And we’ve seen our institutions develop and refine processes, based on lessons learned in different emergencies.
We’ve made substantial progress.
***
And we’ve taken steps to take lessons learned and turn them into lessons applied. The creation of the Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control – or AR-SEE-ESS-DEE-SEE – is an example of a lesson applied.
It was not enough to learn the lesson that we needed a dedicated center for regional public health efforts. We had to take what we learned, identify our priorities and problems, then define our objectives – the same activities we undertake within the Incident Command System.
Once we established our objectives, we could apply what we learned.
***
The creation of the RCSDC is powerful step in improving the quality of life and health in West Africa.
And the development of “The Regional Strategy for Communication and Coordination Between Institutions in the ECOWAS Region for the Control of Epidemics” is another.
The strategy is being developed to introduce and/or enhance mechanisms for communication and coordination between WAHO, RCSDC, ECOWAS Commission, RAHC, NCIs and stakeholders in epidemic prevention and control.
How?
1. To establish lean, fast and adaptable mechanisms following the One health approach;
2. To strengthen and facilitate cross-border exchange and coordination in peace times and during emergencies; and
3. To promote human rights and gender considerations for activities planned and performed according to the strategic plan.
***
The strategy document has been developed as part of a collaborative effort between various institutions and organizations from ECOWAS – as well as international experts from stakeholders and development partner organizations.
It is intended to provide guidance to political decision makers, managers, and senior and middle-level professionals – in the health sector – who are involved in the prevention and control of outbreaks and epidemics.
(That’s you, by the way.)
***
During the development of the strategy, Member States weighed in on topics such as:
· Identifying stakeholders;
· Improving interinstitutional communication and coordination; and
· Assigning roles and responsibilities.
It was agreed that the inter-institutional communication and coordination – or EYE-SEE-SEE -- strategy be in alignment with already existing regional health strategies and structures – as well as the mandates of the ECOWAS Commission, WAHO, RCSDC, RAHC and institutions at the national level.
The thematic areas for the strategic plan are:
1. ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Specialized Institutions and Agencies (WAHO, RCSDC, RAHC);
2. ECOWAS Member States, including cross-border activities;
3. One Health; and
4. Emergencies and surveillance.
Once the strategy is operational, it will serve as an important tool to guide communication and coordination in the region.
The roles and mandates of WAHO, RCSDC, and National Coordinating Institutions – or EN—SEE – EYES – will be clearly defined. A structure will be in place to help us communicate and communicate well.
The IICC strategy provides a structure for taking lessons learned and turning them into lessons applied.
***
Communication Platform
One of the key objectives of the communication and coordination strategy is to set up a regular and permanent communication platform.
This platform will describe the information flow between stakeholders, including the ECOWAS Commission, WAHO, RCSDC, RAHC, Africa CDC and other partners.
It will also aggregate existing communications materials and serve as a repository for SOPs associated with information sharing – among other valuable tools. As part of the communication platform functionality, information-sharing tools will be developed.
Along with SOPs to ensure a systems approach in aligning how all the moving parts in communications come together.
Except the moving parts don’t always come together, do they? Phone calls, emails, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, formal and informal conversations….
The strategy makes recommendations about how best to bring these many voices under one roof.
As part of that objective, the ECOWAS Secretariat is already engaged with the ECOSUITE rollout throughout ECOWAS institutions. Once fully operational, the ECOSUITE will serve as a solid platform for communication, collaboration, workflow and business processes.
***
ECOWAS Early Warning System
Another key objective of the IICC strategy is to improve the Early Warning System in the ECOWAS region. A better system – and associated SOPs – will support cross-border collaboration. Facilitating multi-country collaboration – through data-sharing SOPs and simulation exercises – will take us even further.
Mandate roles and responsibilities
***
The Incident Command System keeps everyone on the same page in a response. The framework sets it up so people know their roles and responsibilities – even during complex situations.
Another objective of the IICC strategy is to create a structure in which the roles and responsibilities of entities such as:
· RCSDC;
· National Coordinating Institutions; and
· The West African Network for Infectious Disease Surveillance
are clear, known, and understood by Member States.
Through the creation of a joint mechanism for coordination, collaboration and communication, Member States and regional institutions will be equipped to support each other – in preparedness and response.
One Health
The IICC strategy also embraces the One Health approach – which honors the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
One specific objective articulated in the pending strategy is to maintain a Regional Platform for One Health. Such a platform would support the exchange of information and data – while ensuring coordination between relevant actors and institutions.
The ECOWAS Commission departments of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources – as well as ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centres – are key players in the expansion of the One Health approach.
Surveillance
***
Early warning systems cannot be effective without strong surveillance systems to back them up. With this in mind, the IICC strategy includes recommendations to test, adapt, and strengthen early warning systems throughout Member States.
Infectious disease knows no borders. When one of us is at risk, we are all at risk. Effective emergency response requires communication and coordination throughout Member States.
A solid strategy for collaboration is a welcome development.
***
The successful implementation of the IICC strategy will be a team effort from every stakeholder and every level.
Where does your jurisdiction or organization fit in? Where does your country fit in? Most of all, where do you fit in?
***
Decent pause.
Thank you for joining us. Next up: We’ll talk about one of the cross-cutting priorities for ECOWAS – vulnerable populations.
###
Activity: YES