Why have infectious diseases been at the heart of Solthis’s mission since its inception?
Founded in 2003 by university physicians at La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris to support healthcare professionals during the introduction of antiretroviral drugs in West Africa, Solthis has been a pioneer in addressing the challenges of strengthening health systems and improving the quality of care in resource-limited countries in the context of HIV care. Over the years, Solthis has gradually expanded its expertise to include tuberculosis, hepatitis, and emerging infectious diseases.
Why do infectious diseases remain a major challenge in West and Central Africa?
In West and Central Africa, infectious diseases remain a major cause of preventable mortality. Their impact on individual health and on fragile health systems is considerable in a region where the consequences of climate change are amplifying the risks of certain diseases. In 2025, according to UNAIDS, 5.2 million people in the region were still living with HIV, and 190,000 people were newly infected. Globally in 2024, according to the WHO, 22% of tuberculosis cases went undiagnosed, and the disease remains the leading cause of infectious mortality in the region.
The emergence of new health threats further exacerbates this vulnerability.
Why do emerging infectious diseases pose a threat to health systems?
Emerging infectious diseases can quickly strain health systems, particularly in countries where human, material, and financial resources are limited. In West Africa, an outbreak can tie up personnel and infrastructure that are already stretched thin, disrupt care for other diseases, and exacerbate inequalities in access to care. Strengthening health systems in a sustainable manner is therefore essential to better prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks.
How can we prevent the emergence and spread of new epidemics?
Epidemic prevention relies on the ability to anticipate, detect quickly, and respond effectively. In West Africa, this involves, in particular, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, laboratories, and diagnostic capabilities; infection prevention and control; vaccination when available; and training for health care workers. Coordination between human health, animal health, and the environment—based on a One Health approach—as well as community involvement are also essential.
What is the link between climate change and infectious diseases?
Climate change can alter the distribution, seasonality, and modes of transmission of certain infectious diseases. In West Africa, changes in temperature and precipitation can, in particular, alter the conditions favorable to certain vectors, such as mosquitoes, while floods or droughts can also have an impact on health risks. These changes can expose new populations to risk and increase pressure on already vulnerable health systems. Anticipating these risks requires an integrated approach that combines human, animal, and environmental health.
How is Solthis working to combat infectious and emerging diseases?
Solthis works, in particular, to improve prevention, access to screening, treatment, and long-term follow-up for affected individuals, in collaboration with national health authorities.
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