On June 24, 2026, the ECOWAS Conference Hall at the Seme/Krake Joint Border Post hosted a high-level meeting on International Border Disease Surveillance and Other Health Activities.

The event brought together key health and security stakeholders from both Benin and Nigeria, including the ALCO Seme Intervention Unit.

A United Front Against Epidemic Threats

The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen and institutionalize collaboration between Benin and Nigeria through coordinated cross-border disease surveillance activities.

The urgency of this partnership was underscored by discussions on the ongoing Ebola outbreak and the need for a coordinated regional response.

To address these biosecurity challenges, the meeting brought together:

• representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO);
• officials from the Ministries of Health of Benin and Nigeria, including District Health Team 5;
• Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs);
• the Seme Intervention Unit of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organization (ALCO/OCAL);
• border management and security agencies;
• community leaders and youth representatives.

Redefining Border Health Management

Participants discussed several strategic priorities aimed at building a stronger and more coordinated response.

Conceptual Clarity

Defining the true scope and operational meaning of cross-border disease surveillance.

Shared Responsibility

Reaffirming that border health security is a shared responsibility and that borders represent the first line of defense against epidemic threats.

Setting Operational Standards

Establishing benchmarks for effective and high-quality health management at border points.

Role Mapping

Clearly identifying the responsibilities of each stakeholder to improve coordination and eliminate duplication of efforts.

Data Sharing and Alert Management

Developing secure protocols for cross-border health information sharing and defining efficient pathways for transmitting epidemic alerts in real time.

Six Priority Areas for Future Action

The meeting concluded with the adoption of six priority areas of cooperation that will guide future joint actions between Benin and Nigeria.

In light of the Ebola threat, the ALCO Intervention Unit and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border collaboration. Human vigilance, supported by effective technological systems, remains the strongest safeguard for protecting border communities.