Beyond outbreak detection: strengthening integrated surveillance for arboviruses and filoviruses in Africa

¹Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

^&Corresponding author
Steward Mudenda, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Editorial     

Arboviral and filoviral diseases continue to pose significant threats to public health and health security across Africa [1,2]. Recent outbreaks of Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, dengue, yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, and chikungunya have highlighted persistent vulnerabilities in surveillance and preparedness systems across the continent [1,3-5]. Despite considerable progress in disease surveillance over the past decade, many African countries continue to rely on largely reactive systems focused on outbreak detection rather than preparedness. Effective surveillance is the cornerstone of epidemic preparedness. However, surveillance of arboviruses and filoviruses remains hampered by delayed case detection, limited diagnostic capacity, inadequate community-based reporting systems, and insufficient integration among the human, animal, and environmental health sectors [3,6]. These challenges are particularly important because many arboviral and filoviral diseases emerge at the human-animal-environment interface and are influenced by ecological, climatic, and socio-demographic factors.

Current surveillance efforts in many settings remain heavily dependent on human case detection and laboratory confirmation. While these components are essential, they often identify outbreaks after transmission has already become established. For arboviral diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and Rift Valley fever, environmental changes, vector dynamics, and animal infections may provide early warning signals before human cases occur [1,5]. Similarly, filoviral diseases such as Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease are frequently linked to zoonotic spillover events, underscoring the importance of surveillance systems that extend beyond healthcare facilities [4]. The One health approach provides an important framework for addressing these challenges [7]. Recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, One health surveillance promotes collaboration across sectors to improve early detection and response to emerging threats [6]. However, operationalization of one health surveillance remains limited in many African countries due to fragmented systems, inadequate resources, and weak multisectoral coordination. Recent advances in pathogen genomics also present opportunities to strengthen preparedness. The expansion of sequencing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of genomic surveillance for understanding pathogen evolution, tracking transmission pathways, and informing public health interventions [8,9]. Integrating genomic surveillance into routine surveillance systems for arboviruses and filoviruses could improve outbreak detection and support evidence-based decision-making.

Community-based surveillance and cross-border collaboration should also receive greater attention. Communities are often the first to identify unusual illnesses, unexplained deaths, or animal die-offs, making them critical partners in early warning systems [10]. Furthermore, increasing population mobility and regional trade emphasize the need for stronger cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent the spread of epidemic-prone diseases. As Africa continues to face increasing risks from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, surveillance systems must evolve beyond outbreak detection toward anticipatory preparedness. Strengthening integrated surveillance for arboviruses and filoviruses will not only improve outbreak prevention and response but also contribute to broader health security and resilience across the continent. Table 1 shows the key priorities for strengthening surveillance of arboviruses and filoviruses in Africa.

Conclusion    

Africa has made important progress in strengthening surveillance for epidemic-prone diseases. However, surveillance systems for arboviruses and filoviruses remain largely reactive and continue to focus on outbreak detection rather than preparedness. Strengthening surveillance for arboviruses and filoviruses in Africa requires a shift from reactive outbreak response to proactive preparedness. Investments should focus on integrated one health surveillance systems, enhanced laboratory and genomic capacity, vector and animal surveillance, community engagement, and regional collaboration. Such efforts will not only improve outbreak detection and response but also contribute to stronger health systems and improved health security across the continent.

Competing interests     

The author declares no competing interests.

Authors´ contributions     

All contributions were made by Steward Mudenda. The author have read and agreed to the final manuscript.

Table     

Table 1: key priorities for strengthening surveillance of arboviruses and filoviruses in Africa

References