Since November 2024, HEADA has been implementing, in collaboration with the Cameroon Ministry of Health, a community-based sentinel surveillance project for Mpox, funded by UCLA via the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project fosters sub-regional collaboration within the Congo Basin, facilitating the exchange of best practices in Mpox detection and management.
The initiative operates in three epidemiologically significant health districts: Ayos and Ndikiniméki in the Centre Region, and Mbonge in the South-West Region. The key roles include:
• Community-based active surveillance for early Mpox detection,
• Training local health personnel on Mpox case identification and response,
• Safe sample collection and transport to the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon for laboratory analysis,
• Monitoring and supporting confirmed cases to ensure appropriate care and containment.
This collaborative approach aims to strengthen local capacities, promote rapid detection, and build a resilient One Health-oriented surveillance system.