Nairobi, Kenya. July 25, 2024—The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) have signed a landmark agreement to fortify health systems across African Union Member States. This strategic partnership is designed to bolster public health infrastructure and capacities, ensuring a robust and resilient African health system.
The Africa Public Health Foundation was established to drive investments into public health activities aligned with the Africa CDC’s overarching goals and objectives. The APHF’s key operational strategies include resource mobilization, efficient grants management, advocacy for enhanced health policies, private sector engagement, and contribution to comprehensive public health data analysis. This multifaceted approach is essential for advancing the health landscape across Africa.
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “The Africa CDC’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 is ambitious, targeting significant health outcomes for the continent. The Africa Public Health Foundation plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources for the Africa CDC, enhancing public health systems within African Union Member States, and supporting the implementation of The New Public Health Order.” The partnership underpins the Africa CDC’s vision to create a healthier and more prosperous Africa through improved health systems.
Dr. Bernard Haufiku, Chair of the APHF Governing Council and Founder, highlighted the significance of this agreement, saying, “Today marks a special milestone as we formalize our collaboration with Africa CDC. Our strategic partnership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, Marburg, and Cholera outbreaks, among other health crises. I extend my gratitude to Africa CDC for their unwavering support since our collaboration began in 2020 and for our remarkable achievements together.”
The agreement delineates the modalities of collaboration between the two institutions, referencing the priority areas outlined in the Africa CDC strategy. These priority areas include strengthening public health institutions and workforce development, expanding local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders within the broader health ecosystem. This comprehensive approach ensures that public health interventions are sustainable and effective.
Moreover, the agreement will focus on developing capacity-building and training programs to equip the public health workforce with the necessary skills to address future health challenges efficiently. Integrating technology and innovation in public health practices will be emphasized to enhance disease surveillance, data collection, and analysis, facilitating better decision-making processes. Community engagement will be prioritized to increase awareness and understanding of public health measures, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of health interventions.
Research and development initiatives will be supported to solve endemic health issues in Africa, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation. Sustainability initiatives will ensure that health interventions have a long-term impact rather than providing temporary relief. Strengthening emergency preparedness and response mechanisms is another key focus, ensuring swift action in the face of health crises. The partnership will also work towards health equity by addressing disparities and ensuring all communities have access to quality healthcare services.
This agreement consolidates the significant achievements of the joint work undertaken so far, elevating the partnership to address the continent’s health challenges from a holistic and long-term perspective.
About the Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union that supports member states in efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, and disease prevention and control. Learn more at Africa CDC.
About the Africa Public Health Foundation: The Africa Public Health Foundation exists to forge partnerships and mobilize resources and investments for critical African public health initiatives supporting the Africa CDC and African Union’s New Public Health Order. For more information and to sign up for APHF’s newsletter, please visit APHF.
