Enhancing cross-border Mpox surveillance: Lessons from Côte D’ivoire and Ghana’s bilateral collaboration

Introduction In response to the Mpox resurgence, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, two neighboring ECOWAS countries with shared borders and trade corridors, held a high-level bilateral meeting in Takoradi in February 2025. With support from WAHO, the objective was to strengthen real-time surveillance, risk communication, and coordinated response to cross-border outbreaks. This study describes the dynamics of cross-border health cooperation within the framework of the MPOX, identifying the levers and obstacles to effective regional integration. Methods An exploratory qualitative study based on inductive analysis, combining focus groups and document review, was used. Thirty-eight participants from human (21), animal (13), and environmental health (04) sectors shared country experiences and identified operational synergies in coordination, surveillance, case management, laboratory response, and community engagement. The discussions enabled comparative analysis, the documentation of good practices, and the development of concrete recommendations. Results The workshop revealed major gaps in harmonized indicators, leading to the adoption of a shared surveillance indicator framework. Both countries acknowledged the absence of legal frameworks for cooperation and proposed a formal MoU. Weak logistical capacity at points of entry and poor data interoperability were flagged. Joint training programs and simulation exercises were planned. A binational action plan, including a monitoring mechanism, was adopted with clear timelines. Conclusion The Takoradi meeting demonstrated strong political commitment and set the stage for operationalizing cross-border health security. Institutionalizing the agreed mechanisms, supported by WAHO, will be critical for sustaining Mpox preparedness and response in the region.