Transport corridors generate broad economic benefits and costs and impact diverse development outcomes, such as economic growth, jobs, equity, environmental quality, and financial resilience (World Bank, 2018). The economic benefits of transport corridors remain largely unharnessed unless trade barriers are addressed. As an increasing number of people cross borders for work, recreation, and safety, the risk of disease spreading between countries and within them also rises. Unfortunately, the critical role that transport corridors play in the transmission of infectious diseases, including epidemics and pandemics, has not been adequately recognized. There is no record of conferences dedicated to the intersection of transportation and the spread of infectious diseases. Neither specialized scientific forums nor general discussions have unveiled research on this nexus between transportation and public health, including effective interventions that could be replicated and scaled up within and between communities and nations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Over the years, North Star Alliance has played an active role in tracking, documenting, and influencing development outcomes in transport corridors for the greater public good. It is against this background, North Star Alliance, in partnership with the Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority, plans to convene a three-day regional conference to advance knowledge and action around developing safe and healthy supply chains along transport corridors. This non- scientific conference will be held annually, and the inaugural event aims to attract 500 delegates.
Objectives
The conference aims to foster synergies among stakeholders to promote health, trade and economic development along Africa’s transport corridors.
Specific objectives include.
- Increase understanding of the critical role transport corridors play in spreading infectious diseases across and within Africa.
- Unite stakeholders – transport industry leaders, healthcare professionals, governments, community advocates, mobile populations, and corridor communities – to develop solutions for mitigating disease transmission risks.
- Share successful programs and lessons learned to enhance the safety and health of Africa’s transport supply chains.
Spur the development and implementation of effective interventions to curb disease spread within and across Sub-Saharan African nations.
