IOM The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is ramping up its efforts to contain the spread of Mpox in West and Central Africa, reinforcing border health systems and ensuring that mobile and hard-to-reach communities are not left out of national and regional response plans.
Working closely with government health authorities and international partners, IOM has mobilized technical expertise, operational surge teams, and logistical resources to strengthen coordination, enhance disease surveillance at borders, and conduct population mapping to guide targeted interventions that reach mobile communities and high-risk transit corridors.
“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 in West and Central Africa are particularly susceptible to the rapid spread of infectious diseases due to a combination of high cross-border movement, porous boundaries, and limited healthcare infrastructure. Gaps in surveillance systems and resource constraints further complicate detection and containment, making targeted interventions and robust cross-border collaboration all the more urgent to safeguard both local and mobile populations.