Under the slogan ‘Vaccinated communities, Healthy communities’, Africa Vaccination Week aims to keep immunization high on national and regional agendas towards delivering life-saving interventions for happier and healthier communities.

Over the years, Immunization road maps have been developed, cold chain equipment have been provided, and partnerships have been forged to increase access to life-saving vaccines.

However, challenges remain.

Vaccine hesitancy, lack of local vaccine manufacturing capacity, and inadequate financial resources pose significant hurdles.

To address these challenges, the Africa CDC has laid out key actions

1. Creation of a new Directorate of Primary Health Care, to have a centred focus on strengthening health systems and immunization across the continent

2. Leading the charge towards the vital goal of access to safe and effective vaccines. Heads of State and Government recently expanded local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for Africa’s self-sufficiency in health

3. Fostering partnerships with like-minded partners, investing in research, and building local capacity

Call to Action

We call upon political leaders and policymakers to prioritize immunization, increase domestic funding, and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

We urge communities and stakeholders to mobilize support and advocate for concerted action against vaccine-preventable diseases and,

We invite African Union first ladies and high-level leaders to join us in raising awareness about the benefits of immunization, particularly in the prevention and control of diseases like cervical cancer. ‘Vaccinated communities, Healthy communities!

The post Statement by H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, on the African Vaccination Week appeared first on Africa CDC.

The Africa CDC recalls the considerable efforts of Africa to timely access vaccines as Member States of the Union considered vaccines as the most effective means in the pandemic response. Through its Heads of States and Government, the AU and Africa CDC called for equitable and timely access to and receipt of vaccines. A call which in many instances went unanswered by the international community and industry.

Its public evidence that Covid-19 vaccines were delivered late to Africa, long after vaccines were made available to the developed world. Such actions significantly contributed to lower the demand for vaccines once these eventually were made available for Africa. We must also acknowledge that this late availability of vaccines to Africa, significantly affected the course of the pandemic, as well as the uptake and demand for vaccines.

With the view to mobilise funds and find a responsive solution, African Union established the AU Covid-19 response fund and launched the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) with the African Export and Import Bank (Afrexim Bank). AVAT acquired 400 million vaccines from manufacturers other than Moderna, simply because Moderna vaccines were not made available, despite attempts to buy. In fact, less than 5% of the covid-19 vaccines administered in Africa, were from Moderna. Despite these African efforts, Covid-19 vaccines were still delivered late to Africa, long after vaccines were made available to the developed world.

Through its consortium for Covid-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials (CONCVACT) Africa CDC also played a coordination role in facilitating the start and successful completion of clinical trials during the pandemic, strengthening enablers of high-quality vaccines clinical trials on the continent, and in accelerating post-trial vaccines regulatory approval.

Therefore, to blame Africa and Africa CDC for lack of demand for covid-19 vaccines and therefore the reason to put on hold plans to manufacture vaccines in Africa, only serves to perpetuate the inequity that characterized the response to the Covid–19 pandemic. While other vaccine manufacturers are progressing with their plans and construction in Africa, Moderna is abandoning a commitment to build highly needed and relevant vaccine manufacturing capabilities in Africa, in truth, demonstrating that Moderna’s commitment is in fact not to vaccine equity and access to vaccines, through building manufacturing in Africa.

Africa CDC, as mandated by Heads of State of African governments, will continue to advocate, and support the establishment of a strong local vaccine manufacturing ecosystem, which supports research and development, and local manufactures’ capacity to serve the African Union continental vision of producing 60% of vaccines, therapeutics, and other medical products by 2040. Nevertheless, Africa CDC acknowledge that building vaccine manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities, is complex, takes a long time, and requires significant investment. That is why we, through our Partnership for African Vaccine manufacturing (PAVM), now renamed PHAHM – Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing, will continue to work towards building and strengthening African manufacturing, with our member states, international finance institutions, regulators, and partners, including vaccine manufacturers. This forms part of our comprehensive and African approach to pandemic preparedness and prevention, and we encourage Moderna, as an experienced vaccine manufacturer, to contribute to, and support, Africa’s ambitious goal of a secure and safe Africa on public health security for the betterment of African health security and beyond.

The post Africa CDC’s Statement on Moderna’s plan to reassess commitment to African vaccine manufacturing appeared first on Africa CDC.

Since the late 1980s, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided a safety, quality, and efficacy assurance assessment process, now known as “WHO prequalification” (PQ), to ensure vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and other health products supplied by procurement agencies meet acceptable standards and to facilitate the regulatory review and uptake of health products in Iow-resource settings.

In Africa, the slow process of WHO PQ was seen as one of the key limitations on the way to achieving the local manufacturing agenda. In this context, Africa CDC welcomes the new WHO policy to initiate parallel processes both for recommendation guidelines and PQ or Emergency Use Listing Procedure (EUL) assessment as an important step in addressing the inequity in rapidly accessing essential and innovative health products. The use of interim guidelines, especially for innovator products, will be useful in accelerating timelines. Nevertheless, they require significant efforts to address the high data and evidence standards, know how to produce a complete dossier for submission and interact with PQ’s consultation processes.

One of the critical and intrinsic factors for sustainable manufacturing in Africa is ensuring that African manufacturers have access to efficient and harmonized regulatory pathways that ensure high-quality products and market access for African-made products. The acquisition of maturity level 3 (ML3) status in five (5) African countries, coupled with ongoing competency programs through Regional Centres for Regulatory Excellence (RCOREs), underscores the critical importance for African regulatory experts to possess expertise and capabilities that align with adequate regulatory oversight across the entire lifecycle of vaccine production.

Lengthy and fragmented processes to acquire regulatory approval will lead to late market access and financial and administrative burdens for African manufacturers. In addressing this, achieving WHO prequalification to enter the United Nations (UN) procurement system is particularly important for African manufacturers to reach the economics of scales necessary to foster a conducive manufacturing eco-system, including Research and Development. We encourage WHO to continue to support the strengthening of these important activities and engagement and communication across diverse stakeholder communities. Africa CDC will continue to monitor the progress and execution of these and similar recommendations for the benefits of local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products in Africa.

The post Addressing Regulatory Challenges to Advance Local Manufacturing in Africa appeared first on Africa CDC.

I greet you on behalf of the Organization of African First Ladies (“OAFLAD”), of which I am the President, and the First Lady of Zambia being one of the 43 African First Ladies who is a member. We are both here to acknowledge and support the leadership of AFRICA CDC in convening young people and ensuring they are not left out of the important conversations on how Africa intends to shape a new public health order.

OAFLAD is also engaged in what we call a unifying campaign. It’s a continent-wide campaign for gender equality that will be launched by First Ladies, in their respective countries, across the continent. The campaign will focus on the central tenant that WE ARE EQUAL. The focus will be on actions that can be taken to advance equality in the areas of gender-based violence, economic empowerment, education and of course, health. It would be an honour and a privilege to have youth advocates for this campaign, so please let US know if you are interested in being an advocacy partner. Just yesterday, I had the distinct privilege of being in Nairobi, where the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya hosted a very successful and well attended “We are Equal campaign” launch event, which enjoyed the presence of the President of the Republic of Kenya, senior government leaders, as well as 20 000 women from all over Kenya. That speaks to the convening power of First Ladies, and why OAFLAD chose to harness the collective advocacy strength of First Ladies to ignite and advance important societal conversations.

There is no place I would rather be than in this room with all of you today. CPHIA is Africa taking its destiny into its own hands, and the Youth Pre-Conference is how we ensure that the ideas and energy of young people are integrated into this consequential initiative. In addition to networking amongst each other, you also get to network with the rockstars of African public health, powerhouses like Dr Tedros from WHO; Michel Sidibe, the former UNAIDS head; Jean Kaseya, DG of Africa CDC; Amb. John Nkengosang, the head of Pepfar and former Head of Africa CDC; Professor Sennait Fisseha, Vice president of Global Programs at the Susan Buffet Foundation and chief advisor to the WHO DG; Dr Muhamed Ali Pati, the Minister of Health and Social welfare in Nigeria; Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa; Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa; Dr Kesete Amasu, CEO of Big Win Philanthropy and former Minister of Health in Ethiopia; Dr Magda Robala, president of the Institute for Global Health and Development and many other incredible African public health powerhouses.

These are people you will meet in the corridors. When you see them, please do ask for selfies, as I am sure you will – but also introduce yourself, and your work. Those are your future bosses. Those are the people whose roles you will be taking over one day so they should at least know your name.

Those African public health rockstars are the people whose career paths you should understand and follow. They are also the people who you want to watch how they wield power. [A case study is Dr Tedros and how he has handled the complex and contested issues around Tigray, and Gaza]. These powerhouses in public health are not presidents, and many are not politicians, but they are political. They have access to Presidents, they have institutional powers of their own, and you may want to want to watch how they use their power and proximity to advance Africa’s public health agenda.

Many of you may wonder where you fit in the politics of your respective countries. Some of you may be politically engaged in ruling or opposition parties, and some of you may have given up hope or prefer to be politically neutral for a variety of reasons. I understand those nuances and the exceptions to this statement. There is no right or wrong path because you don’t need to be a politician to lead. As a matter of fact, you don’t need anyone’s permission to lead. However, I want you to consider that politics decides who gets what, and how. Public health is political. The public health rockstars I mentioned are all political creatures. They may not want to be, but to be effective, they have to be. Many even needed political support from their countries to be appointed to the jobs they have now.

Kwame Nkrumah is known to have paraphrased from the bible when he said, “Seek ye first the political kingdom and all else shall be added to you.” The politics-first approach recognizes that politics decides who gets what, and when. If you are not a politician and do not aspire to be, that’s a perfectly fine choice. You, however, don’t have a choice in needing to be political. Politics influences the lives of people. Public health is about people. To get them what they need, when they need it, you must be able to influence politics and politicians.

The Government is required to solve society’s most complex problems. We need our best brains at the table. Who ends up at the table is often determined by politics. This is how many of you are often led by people you went to school with who never paid attention in class.

Whether your power is community mobilization or mandated power from elections, power is power. It is important for those who seek power, whether activists or politicians, to analyze their motives. Activists who end up trading their community power to seek political power without having a plan often end up behaving worse than the politicians they once opposed. Never seek power, any form of power, for the sake of it. Have a plan of what you want to do with it, and stay faithful to that plan, no matter what. As young people interested in public health, your motives are clear: It’s for public health. Public health is political, and to change people’s lives, you do not need to be a politician, but you do need to be politically savvy.

This is why it’s essential that you are here. Youth have power. You need to be able to leverage that power. Each generation sees the world differently, and for your vision and dynamism to shape the future of public health, it must first be seen. Thank you, Africa CDC, for seeing the power of the youth.

As a First Lady, many people see me but don’t really see me. Their eyes are fixed on the power of the President. Has anyone ever shaken your hand without looking at you? That’s what happens to me all the time. I walk behind my husband and I must shake hands after he has passed. Many shake my hand without looking at me. I don’t mind, I understand that power, and proximity to power, is not the same thing.

I also understand that sometimes, not being seen is a superpower as you can watch people silently, without them noticing you are watching. I have a front-row seat in observing how people use their power, and how they act around power. All of you interact with power every day. There are some situations where you have the power and other interactions where you are powerless. The rockstars I referred to have power and some of you are in proximity to that power.

I don’t have power; I have proximity to power. I know what that means and what it doesn’t mean. A lesson I will share during my presentation later on adolescent health is the decision you make around how you use proximity to power. Do you use it to empower yourself and those around you, or do you use it to empower the powerless? Please don’t waste your proximity to power for selfies; because proximity is power in itself, so use it wisely.

I have this discussion of how to leverage politics and power often with young people in Namibia and across the continent, and I am pleased to have it with you today. Not everything on these topics can be said on public platforms, so I look forward to engaging many of you away from the microphones. I feel this is my duty to youth because I have seen how many have been sucked into, and spat out of political circles without optimal usage of their talents.

I have a particular fondness for young people in public health as I understand, as you do, that when public health policy and practice gets it wrong, people die. When public health gets it right, people live. Simply put, being effective at what you do is a matter of life and death.

In recognizing your value and potential as youth, we also recognize the value of partnerships. The journey of youth progress is a collective journey. It is a collaborative effort that requires the alignment of governments, organizations and the driving force of youth-led initiatives. I come from a country committed to fostering partnerships that amplify the voices and contributions of our young people. The Zambian government is known to do the same, and I am proud of Africa CDC for also centering young people in its initiatives.

Our continent faces unique health challenges, from infectious diseases to maternal health and mental well-being. The burden of these challenges falls squarely on the shoulders of the youth. This is why we must empower the youth to be the architects of the solutions and to take charge of their health and the health of their communities.

The youth pre-conference serves as an ideal platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and cultivating relationships, networks, and knowledge. It is a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier Africa.

Initiatives like the Bingwa Initiative, which focuses on youth engagement and empowerment, are a testament to the tireless efforts of AFRICA CDC in recognizing the importance of youth engagement in public health.

Africa CDC is intentional about harnessing the transformative power of young people and, together with the Youth Advisory Team for Health, we look forward to the impact of this partnership. Dr Kaniki and your team, I have seen your incredible passion for the work that you do and your work ethic; it is inspiring and a reminder of what young people can do when trusted with positions of authority. Young people rely on you to succeed. Thank you Dr. Kaniki for the incredible leadership you have shown.

To the young public health professionals here, I extend a call to action: your energy, creativity, and commitment are the driving forces that will propel us towards a healthier future. You do not need anyone’s permission to lead. Become advocates and provide leadership for health within your communities.

The transformative power of innovation and technology cannot be overstated. I challenge each of you to harness the tools at your disposal for creative solutions to our health challenges.

As we engage in the discussions over the next two days, I implore you to actively participate, contribute, share insights and propose actionable solutions. The Africa CDC Youth pre-conference is not just a gathering. It’s a collective endeavour to shape the public health narrative on our beloved continent.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your commitment in advancing public health in Africa. I also thank the organizers for creating a platform that centres and amplifies the voices of young people. Public health is not easy. Social, political, religious and fiscal determinants of health impact access and equity to health. There is also you, the people who understand that our health is interlinked and must be accessible and equitable for everyone. This is how we build a healthier and more resilient Africa. Thank you.

The post Africa CDC YPC2023: Keynote speech from the Guest of Honor, H.E. Mrs. Monica Geingos, First Lady of the Republic of Namibia appeared first on Africa CDC.

The Joint Action Plan outlines key activities between the Africa CDC and U.S. government to achieve the objectives identified in the Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Public Health Partnership, signed by African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in March 2022.

The Joint Action Plan represents a significant step toward stronger and deeper Africa CDC -U.S. collaboration, building on both Africa CDC and U.S. health investments and partnerships across Africa. It will facilitate institutional strengthening, expert exchanges, and knowledge-sharing in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa CDC Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Additionally, it will promote integrated health systems, strengthen public health emergency response capacity, enhance clinical and laboratory systems, and expand innovation and local manufacturing of health products.

The Africa CDC and U.S. government intend to convene regular meetings of technical experts in Addis Ababa and Washington to operationalize, review, and update this Plan to support shared public health needs and global health security requirements.

The post Joint Statement on the Africa CDC and United States New Joint Action Plan appeared first on Africa CDC.

H.E Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia

Hon Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health, Zambia

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization

Prof Margaret Gyapong, Director of the Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and CPHIA 2023 Co-Chair

Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen,

I stand before you today with a profound sense of honor and privilege as we gather for the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our host, the Government of Zambia, who has been an excellent partner in shaping this year’s conference.

The theme of this year  underscores a fundamental truth: that health is not only a matter of medical science but also of policy, equity, and global cooperation. 

Breaking barriers requires us to think beyond the confines of traditional healthcare models. It beckons us to harness technology’s power, embrace equity and social justice principles, and foster robust collaborations that span borders and disciplines. It demands a concerted effort to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable among us.

It challenges us to look the barriers that have long impeded Africa’s progress in public health and calls upon us to redefine our position in the global health architecture. Together, we can break, and we will break the barriers that have hindered our progress for far too long and we can forge a new public health order for Africa—one that is resilient, equitable, and capable of meeting the challenges of the future. 

This conference is significant, marking the eve of Africa CDC’s one-year anniversary as an autonomous institution of the African Union. 

Africa CDC has established itself as the premium public health institution of the continent, guided by the visionary leadership of African Heads of State and government. Under this stewardship, Africa CDC has emerged as a beacon of hope and progress, working tirelessly to enhance the health and well-being of the African people. As we gather here today, we not only celebrate this remarkable milestone, but also recognize our Heads of State and Government for their remarkable leadership.

African leaders, including President Hichilema – here present, President Ramaphosa, President Ruto, and others, echoed the need for changes in the global financial architecture. This year’s theme challenges all of us to assess the long-standing barriers that have hindered Africa’s progress in public health. It urges us to reevaluate our stance within the global health architecture.

Under the guidance of His Excellency, H.E President Hichilema, who serves as our champion for Public Health Emergency Operations Centers, Africa CDC has made significant progress. The number of countries with functional PHEOCs will increase from 12 to 32.

His leadership serves as a remarkable model for all of us, and we find inspiration in his unwavering commitment and results-driven approach. As a testament to his exceptional leadership, the President has decided to allocate land and provide financial support for constructing the headquarters of the Africa CDC Southern Regional Coordinating Center.

Under the leadership of our African Heads of State and Government and with the backing of H.E Moussa Faki, the Chairperson of the African Union, I, in my role as the Director-General of Africa CDC, fully dedicated to the realisation of a New Public Health Order for Africa. This vison aims to redefine the healthcare landscape of our continent. It serves as our comprehensive plan for a new era, one where the well-being and prosperity of each and every African are safeguarded, preserved, and improved.

We aim to realise this bold vision and reshape the healthcare landscape of our continent through a strong emphasis on the 5Cs: Community, Connectivity, Capacity, Collaboration, and Climate.

FIRST, COMMUNITY: 

Communities are the foundation upon which a healthier Africa will be built. 

It is disturbing to note that 38 out of the 40 countries with the highest maternal mortality rates are in Africa.

This highlights the pressing need to strengthen the resilience of our communities. To achieve that, we need to manage the looming crisis with a huge gap of community health workers that Africa is facing. This gap may worsen if the existing community health workers continue to go unpaid and encounter a lack of standardisation.

Therefore, Africa CDC is promoting the agenda of 2 million paid and integrated Community Health Workers on the continent by 2030. This concerted initiative will place communities at the forefront of our efforts.

CLIMATE

On average, Africa has 2 new outbreaks per week, totalling more than 100 outbreaks per year. 75% of these outbreaks are zoonotic in origin and worsened by climate change.

As I speak, we have 18 countries affected by cholera with more than 4,000 deaths. We have multiple West African countries affected by dengue. The flooding in a number of countries including Libya, the earthquake in Morocco and a number of other natural disasters are showing the linkage of climate change and health in Africa.

According to the Africa Development Bank, the continent loses 5-15% of its GDP annually due to the impacts of climate change.

Therefore, Africa CDC is committed to supporting African countries to adopt a comprehensive One-health approach to tackle these climate-related challenges. 

CONNECTIVITY

Inadequate connectivity in Africa is leading for under notification of outbreaks. 

The rapid evolution of digital technology offers us an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the way we conduct our work. 

By leveraging the digital advancements, including artificial intelligence, we can enhance our ability to detect emerging health threats, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately improve the well-being of our communities. 

Connectivity will enable us to bridge geographical gaps and create a network of knowledge and information exchange. It will also empower us to address public health challenges with better efficiency and effectiveness.

CAPACITY

Less than 10% of African countries are able to respond to a major outbreak with skilled health workforce.

Africa requires 6,000 field epidemiologists, yet, we currently only have 1,900. Additionally, the continent needs 25,000 frontline epidemiologists, but we presently have just 5,000.

Africa CDC has introduced numerous programs and initiatives, such as Africa Volunteers Health Corps, Kofi Annan, and the Field Epidemiology Training Program, to bridge this gap.

The excessive dependence on imports for essential healthcare products is also a matter of grave concern. Less than 1% of vaccines, 5% of diagnostics and 30% of therapeutics used in Africa are currently manufactured in Africa. This imbalance underscores the urgent need to strengthen our medical manufacturing capabilities to enhance self-reliance and reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions.

Hence, Africa CDC is advocating for an ambitious agenda that aims to ensure that by 2040, a minimum of 60% of vaccines and medicines used in Africa are manufactured within the continent.

As I have to say it, local manufacturing is the 2^nd independence of Africa, because it will mitigate our reliance on external sources, build our health security, promote local innovation, and lead for job creation, economic growth, peace and security. 

COLLABORATION

Collaboration is the key driver of progress and innovation in all human endeavours. The level of collaboration we have achieved is made possible by the support of our communities, member states, donors, and diverse partners. We thank all of them.

Today, I’m delighted to announce a significant development in our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the  “Saving Lives and Livelihoods”, where we are moving into Phase Two to better support countries to be well prepared for the next pandemic. This partnership, in its second phase will extend its reach and impact beyond immediate healthcare responses to cultivate a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and building capacity of Africa CDC.

It’s essential to recognize that no single entity, whether a government agency, healthcare provider, NGO, or academic institution, can effectively address the diverse challenges we confront in isolation. In our interconnected world, collaboration, where we pool our expertise and work collectively, is the linchpin for safeguarding and enhancing population health. Together, across different actors, sectors, and geographies, we can accomplish far more than in isolation.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;

Over the weekend, we hosted the Youth Pre-Conference 2023, bringing together young minds and voices. As the First Lady of Namibia reminded us yesterday; the energy, vitality, and potential our young people bring to our continent are truly our most valuable asset. Beyond encouraging active participation, we believe the Youth Pre-Conference 2023 planted the seeds to propel Africa’s vibrant youth into key players in public health. 

We are also deeply committed to advancing gender equity, viewing it as a foundational principle deeply ingrained in our mission. We firmly believe that gender equity isn’t solely a matter of social justice but is also a fundamental driver of prosperity and overall societal well-being. As a testament to our commitment, I pledge to actively work towards increasing the representation of women at decision-making tables, recognising the pivotal role they play in shaping our collective future.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen;

As I conclude my remarks, I sincerely thank you, Your Excellencies, for your extraordinary contributions to public health. Leadership is essential. It requires foresight, courage, and a profound sense of responsibility to prioritise the health and welfare of a nation’s people.

As we embark on this transformative journey, let us remember the words of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Let this conference be the vessel where we transform the impossible into the achievable. Let it be the platform where we unite our collective knowledge, passion, and determination to chart a course towards a healthier, more equitable Africa.

In the coming days, I encourage each and every one of you to engage in thoughtful and spirited discussions, to challenge the status quo, and to forge innovative solutions that transcend boundaries. Let us leave no stone unturned in our quest to reposition Africa as a formidable force in the global health landscape. This is the spirit that guides us.

The post Conference on Public Health in Africa 2023: Opening Remarks by H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa CDC on 27 November 2023 appeared first on Africa CDC.

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today at the opening of the Youth Pre-Conference on the margins of the 3rd Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa. This gathering marks a momentous occasion —a celebration of youth leadership, innovation, and commitment to building a Safer and Healthier Africa.

As we embark on this unprecedented Youth Pre-Conference, we are witnessing an epochal development in public health governance on the African continent. This conference, convened with the theme “Youth Leadership for a Safer and Healthier Africa,” underscores the pivotal role that the youth must play in shaping the health security of our continent.

Youth, constituting around 65% of Africa’s population, are recognized throughout history for their enthusiasm, innovativeness, and energy. Still, actual youth involvement in critical decision-making processes needs to improve, despite this recognition. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the urgency for change. In addition to promoting engagement, the Youth Pre-Conference 2023 aims to saw the seed that propel Africa’s vibrant youth into public health leadership roles.

Excellencies, esteemed youth delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

We are here because we recognize that a Safer and Healthier Africa extends beyond the absence of war and blurred socio-economic disparities. It is about achieving a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, as exemplified by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has been a harsh teacher, emphasising the need for a robust health infrastructure and resilient health systems.

In the face of these challenges, the Africa CDC, in alignment with the New Public Health Order for Africa, has launched the Youth Advisory Team for Health (YAT4H) and organised this Youth Pre-Conference to amplify the voices and perspectives of young change-makers. This is not just an acknowledgement of your potential but a recognition of your ability to drive transformative change.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the power of youth-led initiatives, such as the African Union COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative. Young Africans took charge, leading grassroots drives that contributed to the increased vaccination rates across the continent. Your efforts in addressing not only the vaccine distribution challenges but also the broader infodemic of false information showcased the tremendous power of young champions in shaping Africa’s health agenda. Young Africans were also at the forefront of innovating and developing novel solutions to the challenges faced by communities during the pandemic. Bingwa is not just about advocating for vaccinations; it’s about fostering a sense of ownership, empowerment, and a collective commitment to public health.

I am thrilled to announce that this year’s Youth Pre-Conference and the main Annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) will feature an impressive array of poster presentations from remarkable young Africans. These presentations will showcase our emerging leaders’ ingenuity and groundbreaking research, both at the forefront of the Youth Pre-Conference and within the broader discussions at CPHIA. This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for these young minds to share their discoveries, innovations, and insights, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Africa. And this platform offers a chance for the elder generations to listen and learn from our youth. The commitment to showcasing the achievements of our youth underscores our belief in the transformative power that young professionals hold in shaping the future of public health on the continent.

As we celebrate the achievements of young leaders, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. “Meaningful participation” is not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about entrusting the youth with genuine decision-making responsibilities. We must cultivate ecosystems that enable young individuals to initiate, nurture, and lead their own platforms, fostering a culture of true youth leadership.

Moreover, we must recognize the vast spectrum of youth experiences. We must recognise and address the unique challenges faced by individual subsets within this demographic, including young women, those living with disabilities, migrant populations, and other marginalized groups. Only by embracing this diversity can we truly make progress.

The digital revolution, while promising, comes with its own set of barriers. Lack of access to diverse and local funding sources, limited representation, and the need for skills development are challenges we must overcome to ensure sustainable growth for young innovators and researchers. One of the New Public Health Order’s pivotal pillars is the commitment to increased domestic resources for health security. Therefore, by mobilizing fundraising and allocating resources effectively, we aspire to overcome these persistent barriers. The New Public Health Order recognizes that fostering an environment conducive to innovation requires not only financial backing but also a comprehensive approach to skills development and equitable representation.

Excellencies, esteemed youth delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

Africa stands in need of role models and inspirations who can serve as guiding lights for our youth. They exemplify the values, virtues, and achievements that young individuals aspire to in their own lives. Role models are living examples of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to positive values.

Today, I wish to extend my recognition to two remarkable individuals, our distinguished First Ladies, who grace this occasion with their presence and exemplify the ideals that our young African people can look up to and emulate.

Firstly, let me extend our heartfelt appreciation to Madam Mutinta Hichilema, the First Lady of Zambia, for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and her active engagement in community development programs across Zambia. Madam Mutinta Hichilema’s dedication to uplifting the lives of her fellow citizens is commendable. She also serves as the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” Campaign, highlighting the vital role of women in society beyond motherhood. Her advocacy for religious tolerance and interfaith harmony in Zambia is another testament to her commitment to unity and understanding among people of different faiths. Her initiatives aimed at promoting social cohesion and national development reflect her deep concern for the well-being of her nation.

Our second guest of honor is the esteemed First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, a figure of outstanding influence and leadership. Notably, she currently serves as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), a role that underscores her commitment to advancing the socio-economic development of our continent. Mrs. Geingos also holds the distinguished position of being the UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls, where her tireless efforts promote the health and rights of the youth. Her involvement in the Virchow Foundation for Global Health and the WomenLift Global Advisory Board further demonstrates her dedication to global public health and the empowerment of women in leadership.

Mrs. Geingos has earned international recognition, being ranked among the “100 Most Reputable Africans” and one of the “100 Most Influential African Women” by various international organizations and publications. Her two-time receipt of the Dususu awards for her work on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights stands as a testament to her impactful contributions in this crucial area.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Geingos personally during my time in Namibia, where I observed her remarkable qualities firsthand. She brings a wealth of experience to her roles, with over two decades of expertise in the financial sector, having held senior positions in capital markets, corporate finance, and private equity. Her dedication and achievements were recognised with National Honors awarded by Former President Pohamba, acknowledging her outstanding contribution to the socio-economic development of Namibia.

Excellencies, esteemed youth delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

In conclusion, the youth’s energy, innovation, and commitment are indispensable for achieving a Safer and Healthier Africa. The Youth Pre-Conference is a call to action for young Africans to take the architect position for the continent’s health future. By recognising and empowering you all, we can guide Africa towards a tomorrow that is not only safer and healthier but also one where the youth plays a central role in shaping the destiny of our beloved continent.

I want to use this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my Africa CDC colleagues and all partners like MCF, GIZ and others who contributed to the organisation of this event.

I look forward to witnessing the incredible impact that will undoubtedly arise from the discussions and initiatives that will emerge from this Youth Pre-Conference. Together, let us build a healthier and safer Africa for all.

The post H.E. DG’s Opening Remarks for the Africa CDC’s Youth Pre-Conference: appeared first on Africa CDC.

October 5, 2023

The Saving Lives and Livelihoods Initiative is rooted in shared goals of strengthening public health institutions and improving public health and health security on the African continent. The Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC remain committed to these goals and to the partnership.

With the WHO declaration of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 5, 2023, Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC are assessing the work and impact of the first phase of the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative from its inception in July 2021, and looking to build on this through a second phase.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods is transitioning from emergency mode to a new phase.  To enable evidence-based planning for the new phase, the Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC are conducting an audit as part of necessary steps to establish what was achieved in phase one.  The pause addressed new activities and not payments due for completed work.  Regular monitoring has been in place to address operational issues that arise within an initiative of this size and complexity. The report that was referenced in the Devex features was part of the regular monitoring process and many of the issues have already been addressed.

We are deeply concerned about pending payments and teams have been working with the relevant implementing partners towards a resolution. The matter is being resolved and payments will be issued.

The Saving Lives and Livelihoods Initiative is an unprecedented program which has achieved remarkable success to date, including over 34 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in 25 member states, cold chain equipment distributed to 32 member states, 30 laboratories equipped for genomic sequencing of SARS-COV-2 and other pathogens and more than 22,000 jobs created, including senior health professionals, vaccinators, and community health workers.

As this initiative transitions to phase two, priority areas will be integration into routine immunization systems, addressing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases. The initiative will also continue to build Africa’s health security by strengthening public health institutions, enabling workforce development, and ensuring the pandemic preparedness for the continent.

For media inquiries:

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Dr. Benjamin Djoudalbaye,

Head of Policy, Health Diplomacy, and Communication,

BenjaminD@africa-union.org

Mastercard Foundation

Wariko Waita,

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, wwaita@mastercardfdn.org

The post Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC Remain Committed to Saving Lives and Livelihoods appeared first on Africa CDC.

The allocation of the United Kingdom’s investment of £95 million in tackling deadly diseases in Africa Programme II, will foster partnerships with countries and Africa-based organizations — Africa CDC and WHO — to detect and address future epidemics, combat drug-resistant infections, and address climate-related health challenges. Such collaborative efforts are essential in building stronger health systems and ensuring a more secure future for all.

We also commend the allocation of up to £103.5 million for the development of affordable vaccines and health products, along with initiatives to combat the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during pandemics, as a demonstration of the United Kingdom’s leadership in the field of global health. This investment will undoubtedly contribute to safeguarding the health and well-being of populations worldwide, preventing future outbreaks, and ultimately saving lives.

The commitment to protecting women’s sexual and reproductive health is a crucial step towards achieving a more equitable and inclusive world. By reducing preventable deaths and improving access to care, the United Kingdom is actively working to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063 in promoting the well-being of all, regardless of geographic location.

The United Kingdom’s support for research and development in low- and middle-income countries, including advancements in drug administration methods, showcases a commitment to reaching even the most remote areas with life-saving care. This approach aligns with the principles of inclusivity and resilience that are fundamental to the global health agenda.

The commitment to health security by the United Kingdom through international development is evident in its track record of investing in research, development, and healthcare infrastructure. The impact of these efforts, from malaria treatments to diagnostics for drug-resistant tuberculosis, has been significant and has undoubtedly saved countless lives.

We would like to express our deep appreciation for the United Kingdom’s resolute dedication to advancing global health. Their commitment to research, innovation, and international cooperation increases optimism for a healthier and more prosperous world.

We look forward to continued collaboration and progress in achieving our shared global health objectives.

The post Africa CDC & WHO welcome UK’s support to address health challenges appeared first on Africa CDC.

Alors que huit fabricants dans le monde ont obtenu le statut de PQ de l’OMS pour ce produit, Revital Healthcare EPZ Ltd. est le premier et le seul producteur africain. Cette étape importante devrait révolutionner le paysage des soins de santé en Afrique en réduisant les délais moyens de transport des seringues de 80 à 90 %, ce qui est essentiel pour répondre rapidement aux épidémies et mener des campagnes de vaccination dans les délais impartis. Revital est désormais en mesure de produire plus de 300 millions de seringues autobloquantes par an, renforçant ainsi l’infrastructure des soins de santé en Afrique et garantissant l’approvisionnement en matériel médical essentiel sur le continent.

Conformément à sa vision d’un nouvel ordre de santé publique, Africa CDC s’est engagé à renforcer les capacités de production locales sur le continent. Nous reconnaissons que l’obtention du statut de PQ de l’OMS pour la seringue autobloquante à activation précoce de l’entreprise est une étape importante vers l’autonomie en matière de production de produits de santé. Cette réussite s’inscrit dans le cadre des objectifs d’Africa CDC, qui visent à promouvoir l’excellence de la fabrication locale afin d’améliorer la prestation des soins de santé et de garantir la disponibilité des fournitures médicales essentielles sur le continent, et l’approbation réglementaire de haute qualité des produits africains est un élément crucial à cet égard. L’approbation de Revital Healthcare met en évidence la raison pour laquelle Africa CDC continue de demander des processus réglementaires ciblés et favorables aux fabricants africains. Nous appelons l’OMS, les investisseurs et les autres partenaires à renforcer leurs efforts et leur travail en faveur de la fabrication africaine, y compris la facilitation et le soutien réglementaires, et à le faire en collaboration et en coordination avec l’Afrique.

La réussite de Revital Healthcare EPZ Ltd. illustre le potentiel de l’innovation et des prouesses manufacturières africaines. Elle souligne notre engagement collectif à construire un écosystème de soins de santé résilient et autosuffisant en Afrique.
En tant qu’Africa CDC, nous sommes impatients de travailler en étroite collaboration avec Revital Healthcare, afin de soutenir les achats groupés nécessaires et l’accès au marché.

The post Déclaration d’Africa CDC sur l’obtention par Revital Healthcare EPZ Ltd de la préqualification de l’OMS pour les seringues autobloquantes à activation précoce appeared first on Africa CDC.