Banjul: ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC) officially handed over an operational Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management (BIIM) System to the Gambia Ministry of Health, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional health security, epidemic preparedness, and evidence-based public health decision-making across West Africa.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the BIIM System integrates social listening, community listening, and health service feedback into a single digital platform. This enables real-time collection and analysis of rumours, misinformation, community concerns, and behavioural insights. The system supports timely, data-driven public health actions and strengthens risk communication during public health emergencies.

Representing ECOWAS RCSDC, Dr. Imaobong Udo Isang described the handover as a major step towards institutionalising behavioural intelligence across the region. "BIIM System demonstrates ECOWAS commitment to strengthening regional health security. Institutionalising behavioural intelligence equips Member States to make timely, evidence-based decisions and respond effectively to public health emergencies."

Receiving the system on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Michael Manga Mendy, Director of Health Promotion and Risk Communication Community Engagement (RCCE), welcomed the initiative. He noted that the system strengthens the country's ability to understand and respond to community concerns. "This system represents a significant step forward for Gambia, providing a structured approach to collecting, analysing, and using community insights improving risk communication, strengthening public trust, enhancing emergency response."

Leading the mission, Patrick Lansana, Programme Manager of Health Promotion RCCE at the Sierra Leone National Public Health Agency (NPHA), highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. "Sierra Leone honours sharing experience with ECOWAS partners. Successful BIIM System deployment in Gambia demonstrates the power of regional collaboration, peer learning, and country-to-country technical support in strengthening public health systems."

The successful handover followed an intensive technical mission, including system configuration, dashboard customisation testing, adaptation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), field piloting, and comprehensive capacity-building for national and regional teams.

With this achievement, The Gambia joins Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS Member States in advancing the regional vision of institutionalising Behavioural Intelligence Infodemic Management as a core component of public health emergency preparedness and response across West Africa.