Coordinating funding in public health emergencies
www.thelancet.com Vol 387 May 28, 2016 2197 National public health institutes or similar network organisations fulfilling the previously stated requirements will comply with international standards (eg, those formulated by IANPHI) and will thus be well positioned to receive international support. These institutes are indispensable constituencies that inform the ECOWAS RCSDC and work together to identify and resolve health threats likely to spread beyond administrative borders. Specialised regional organisations already exist in west Africa and can be upgraded to consolidate this overall public health architecture, namely in WAHO and WHO's Regional Offi ce for Africa. Public health is more than global health security. Public health needs of west Africa should not be restricted to emergency measures dealing with communicable diseases with the highest incidence and mortality. Creation or adaptation of strong national public health institutions or networks willing to cover a broad and comprehensive scope of action (beginning with infectious diseases and environmental issues) should be the common goal. This goal requires a national long term commitment, some courageous political decisions, and the long term support of partner countries and institutions. Finally, the Ebola virus disease epidemic showed that it is wise, in this context, to maintain and strengthen support with multilateral organisations rather than to weaken them.
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