The Integrated Genomic Surveillance and Data Sharing Platform and Integrated Genomic Surveillance for Outbreak Detection were officially announced on 24 April.

“These projects are poised to strengthen laboratory detection and surveillance of emerging, re-emerging, and endemic diseases, as well as antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in Africa,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC. 

“The increasing number of outbreaks is driven by complex ecological, climatic, political, economic, and social factors, all of which are becoming more exacerbated on our continent,” he said. 

“In the face of ongoing global health challenges…Fortifying multi-pathogen molecular detection and sequencing capabilities in the African Union is essential for global health security,” said Laurent Muschel, Acting Director General of the European Commission Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

The Africa CDC, HERA, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Africa Public Health Foundation are collaborating in the projects. Together with our partners, we’re building a collaborative network that strengthens our ability to respond to health threats in Africa.

The European Union-funded projects feed into the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI 2.0) which, is a transition from emergency response to building an optimized, resilient, and integrated molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance ecosystem.

Nqobile Ndlovu, Chief Executive Officer of ASLM, said the launch of the two projects is pivotal in devising scalable and sustainable approaches for integrating molecular diagnostics and sequencing within Africa’s routine surveillance structures. 

“We are eager to collaborate with the Africa CDC and HERA to strengthen laboratory systems ensuring effective responses to current and future health threats,” Ndlovu said.

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Mpox is endemic to 12 countries in Africa

Nachega said Africa has faced a long-standing unmet need for sustainable local diagnostic laboratories and research capacity for mpox. 

“MpoxReC will address these needs and provide outcome monitoring and surveillance across endemic African countries while simultaneously contributing to much-needed South-South, multi-disciplinary, and inter-professional research collaborations and capacity-building,” he said. He said the continent needs to share national and regional epidemic preparedness frameworks on the disease.

The research group, which includes global partners and African collaborators, will initially focus on Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Republic of Congo.  Professor Nadia Sam-Agudu will lead researchers at the University of Cape Coast Ghana, Professor Samuel Nakoune Yandoko will head the team at Pasteur Institute in Bangui, the Central African Republic, co-principal investigators Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe and Professor Placide Mbala will represent the DRC’s Institute National Research Biomedical, Professor Dimie Ogoina from Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital will represent Nigeria, Cameroon’s Pasteur Institute research team will be led by Professor Richard Njouom and Congo will be led by Professor Francine Ntoumi from the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research. Expansion to other African countries will take place later.

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Drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that the African continent must accelerate its investment in health security.  Swift responses and the development of necessary capacity are imperative. To lay the foundation for vaccine manufacturing, Africa CDC is committed to increasing its full-time manufacturing employees from 3,000 to 14,000 by 2040, aligning with their goals. mRNA technology will play a pivotal role in optimizing manufacturing processes to achieve these objectives.

The event featured key sessions, with noteworthy highlights such as “Can we build global vaccine production capacity in time for the next pandemic?” and “Africa’s move towards local manufacturing on the continent – Our framework for action and action plan by 2040.” These sessions included a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director General, represented by Akhona Tshangela, Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Program Coordinator, Africa CDC.

Speaking at the keynote panel representing the Director General, Ms. Akhona stressed that “PAVM framework for action (FFA) ought to position the continent not only as a recipient of vaccines but a key player in the Global Vaccine supply chain. The continent’s ability to produce vaccine and other health products brings a contribution to the global health security within the pandemic preparedness framework,” she said.

“We need to diversify capacity building for technology transfer. Currently, less than 4% of manufacturers are engaged in medicines and medical products production, and R&D is limited to less than 2%. It is crucial to invest in ensuring that medicines and medical products and R&D are effectively managed to produce our locally manufactured health products,” added Akhona.

Ms. Akhona Tshangela, Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Program Coordinator, Africa CDC

Africa CDC further showcased its contributions to the global vaccine value chain at the exhibition spaces, featuring the PAVM, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, and the Institute of Pathogen Genomics (PGI). This exhibition provided attendees with a deeper understanding of Africa CDC’s innovative work.

The World Vaccine Congress – Europe, renowned as the largest and most established European gathering focused on vaccine R&D, offered an ideal platform for discussions about R&D. The congress provided a platform to witness the remarkable work of Africa CDC and their commitment to advancing healthcare on the continent. Africa CDC’s impactful presence and the only African institution at this esteemed event reflects their dedication to creating a healthier future through vaccination.

About Africa CDC initiatives contributing to the vaccine value chain.

1. The Saving Lives and Livelihoods is a USD 1.5 billion partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa CDC that aims to ensure vaccine equity for Africa by purchasing vaccines for more than 65 million people, supporting in the delivery of vaccinations to millions more, and integrating the covid-19 vaccine into routine immunization in Africa.
2. The PAVM aims to increase vaccine production in Africa from one to 60 percent by 2040, while also focusing on developing the necessary human capital for vaccine manufacturing.
3. The Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen Genomics, through the Africa PGI, is taking significant strides in enhancing disease surveillance and public health partnerships. By establishing integrated laboratory networks, equipped with the essential tools, human resources, and data infrastructure, Africa PGI is enabling the effective utilization of genomic sequencing technologies.

Media inquiries:

Dorothy Njagi, Senior Communication Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication: Africa CDC | Tel: +251 940 559 950 | Email: njagid@africa-union.org

Kevin Irandagiye, PAVM Communication Officer -; Africa CDC | Tel: +251 961346649 | Email: irndagiyek@africa-union.org  

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Under the visionary leadership of H.E President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt established the Presidential Initiative of “100 Million Seha” or “100 Million Healthy Lives”. Through this unparalleled campaign, Egypt significantly reduced the prevalence of Hepatitis C from 10% in 2016 to 5% in 2018 and an estimated less than 1% in 2019. The Gold tier certification is the culmination of Egypt’s comprehensive approach to Hepatitis C elimination, which includes meeting specific criteria such as ensuring 100% blood and injection safety, maintaining a minimum of 150 needles/syringes per year for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), diagnosis of ≥80% of people living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), treating of ≥70% of individuals diagnosed with HCV, and the establishing of a sentinel surveillance program for hepatitis sequelae, including liver cancer.

Egypt’s accomplishment in meeting these criteria underscores the effectiveness of its strategies. Key interventions include conducting population-based surveys to understand the hepatitis C epidemic (who is affected and where) and to develop an investment case to highlight the economic burden of HCV. Using domestic financial resources, Egypt further customized this elimination programme for workforce development at all levels, from generalist doctors to community healthcare workers, and in some cases, by using telemedicine for hard-to-reach areas, and by promoting local manufacturing to drive down the costs to less than $50 per treatment course per patient. Collaborative efforts from governmental agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, and pharmaceutical companies, have been instrumental in this achievement.

Egypt’s success extends beyond its borders as the country is committed to supporting other African Union Member States in replicating its success. The Presidential Initiative to Treat 1 million Africans reflects Egypt’s dedication to sharing its knowledge, resources, and local manufacturing of medicines and medical products to enhance treatment accessibility.

“Success for one is success for all. May this remarkable milestone inspire African Union Member States and countries worldwide to unite in the fight against this disease. Together, we can create a future where Hepatitis C is a disease of the past, and the health and well-being of all individuals is safeguarded,” said H.E Dr Jean Kaseya.

Similarly, one of the key flagship programmes of Africa CDC Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) focuses on local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, with efforts to establish regulatory frameworks provide financial support to manufacturers and create a conducive market environment to expand regional manufacturing capabilities. This initiative combined with Egypt’s support, will improve access to quality affordable medication and consumables across  the African continent.

Furthermore, Africa CDC through its Continental Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Programme is working closely with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. The aim is to replicate Egypt’s success in other Member States. Initiatives like the cohort-based approach, launched in August 2023, aim to strengthen their viral hepatitis prevention and control programmes. Their goal is to eliminate of hepatitis B and C as public health problems, focusing on key interventions such as conducting population-based surveys and setting up sentinel surveillance systems, harm reduction, blood safety, etc.

This collaboration serves as a valuable model shaping the continental strategies and interventions for viral hepatitis elimination. As the Member State strives towards the goal of hepatitis elimination, Africa CDC reaffirms its commitment to providing continued support.

For more information contact:

Dr Nafiisah Chotun | Programme Lead, Endemic and NTDs & Africa CDC focal point for viral hepatitis | Division of Disease Control and Prevention | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention| African Union | Email: ChotunB@africa-union.org|Website: www.africacdc.org

Dr. Wessam MANKOULA |Ag. Regional Director, North Africa Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) and Lead of Emergency Operations Centre | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention| African Union| email:WessamM@africaunion.org| Website: www.africacdc.org

 For media inquiry:

Dorothy Wambeti Njagi | Senior Communication Officer- Policy, Health Diplomacy &Communication | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention| African Union |email: njagid@africaunion.org |Website: www.africacdc.org|Addis Ababa|Ethiopia| Facebook | Twitter

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• Considering the COVID-19 Presidential Taskforce that was already established, the President of Malawi authorized the integration of Cholera response into the Taskforce.
• In addition, through the excellent leadership of the President of Malawi, the End Cholera campaign (Tithetse kolera) was launched and re-energised the response with more resource allocation, more international and national partners and additional resource mobilization. Notable enough, the First Lady took part in the campaign, adding a strong community-centred dimension, bringing ownership of the response to the people in different communities.
• The (Cluster) multisectoral approach brought together all relevant sectors that worked seamlessly together with a common objective to contain the outbreak
• The establishment of the Incident management system (IMS) and having Technical working groups respond to the outbreak has been an approach working well to coordinate and provide guidance on operations from the National level to the least lower level
  
  3. What has been the most challenging aspect of responding to the Cholera outbreak in Malawi?
• The biggest challenge has been that the country was overwhelmed by multiple emergencies, including COVID-19, tropical storm Ana effects, polio, and the recent Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
• These multiple emergencies depleted the resources, destroyed the water, sanitation and communication infrastructures and overstretched the response efforts. In addition, the health workforce was highly fatigued from the intense response activities
• Furthermore, we noted fatigue in the population following multiple interventions e.g. polio vaccination, cholera vaccination, and COVID-19 vaccination.
  
  4. How important is a multisectoral approach and cross-border collaboration in preventing and managing cholera outbreaks?

• The government of Malawi embraced a multisectoral approach to bring together the Taskforce with relevant Government institutions and other technical agencies, Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF and Civil Societies to better coordinate the resources and response.
• This approach brought in better resource allocation, better coordination to the response
• The Government of Malawi is working with regional partners to strengthen cross-border collaboration to foster information sharing and joint response efforts.
  
  5. How can other Member States improve early detection and response efforts for effective and timely containment of any disease outbreak?

Early detection

• Member States should invest in preparedness activities by building capacity in key areas of epidemic management, such as enhanced surveillance, laboratory capacities, reporting, and community engagement structures.
• Strengthening PHEOCs is another important aspect we encourage other MS to work on. Following the Lusaka Call to Action, it is important we have PHEOCs fully functional supporting the early detection and timely containment of outbreaks.
• Member States should know their priority diseases and develop appropriate capacities, in line with that they need to embrace Africa CDC continental framework for early warning and epidemic intelligence.

Response

• Member States should embrace the Lusaka call to action by establishing public health emergency operations centers to oversee all outbreak emergencies while employing a Multisectoral approach
  
  6. In February 2023, the President of Malawi, His Excellency President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, launched a campaign to end Cholera in Malawi, the Tithetse kolera (End Cholera) campaign. Please tell us about the progress and the impact of this campaign in the country.
• This campaign was indeed a turning point for the containment of Cholera bringing the commitment of the president, religious leaders and other entities in spearheading the response.
• In addition, the involvement of the first lady Monica Chakwera provided an enabling environment for resource mobilization and other international agencies to implement the recommendations from the president.
• This campaign enabled the mobilization of additional resources from Africa CDC and other partners. Together, we were able to implement Community level initiatives, and high-level ministerial meetings, and numbers came down drastically. 
• With the support from Africa CDC and other partners, the community workforce was capacitated with knowledge, and supplies and took charge. Health promotion services were tailored to the needs of the different communities. This community lead initiative created a sense of ownership of interventions and the results are a remarkable decline in cases.
  
  7. Following the High-Level Emergency Ministerial meeting on Cholera Epidemics, Polio, and Climate-Related Public Health Emergencies held in Malawi in March 2023, What is your opinion on the importance of similar gatherings and High-level leadership for our public health?
• The meeting brought together Ministers, RECs Representatives, and Technical Institution Leadership to come up with Frameworks and Commitments towards Public Health Initiatives in the region
• Such a meeting brought in the Framework of Crossborder collaborations amongst the countries which is key to public health interventions
• These meetings spearhead the political will of our Public Health key initiatives in our respective countries, and we look forward to similar support in future. It is important for our Technical Institutions such as Africa CDC to support follow-up and make sure we fulfil our obligations to come to fruition.
  
  8. Africa CDC has supported various response efforts on both Cholera and COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Malawi. How would you describe this support from your experience?

• Africa CDC support was very effective because it was tailored to address the gaps as we identified them.
• Africa CDC supported the Cholera response efforts from the initial declaration of the outbreak in February 2022. The Institution supported through capacity building in Water Quality Monitoring, IPC, Case Management.
• They went on to conduct an Intra Action Review of the cholera outbreak in November 2022 to understand the response to the protracted outbreak and how to support the gaps identified.
• Through the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) Initiative, Africa CDC has been at the forefront to support the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage in the country and notable improvements have been recorded towards the attainment of herd immunity in the country. 
• Notable achievements of the Africa CDC SLL Initiative includes:
  • Combined efforts to support awareness creation and mass mobilization for COVID-19, cholera vaccination and other health services in the country
  • Strengthened COVID-19 vaccination outreach campaigns, Public address systems and transport logistics to vaccination teams in underserved communities
  • Leveraging on SLL Messaging to intensify RCCE efforts including other health services
    
    
• 9. Considering WHO’s announcement on lifting COVID-19 as a public health emergency, what is the Government of Malawi’s response to this declaration, particularly on the continuous COVID-19 vaccine coverage?

• Yes, Malawi is in line with the recommendations from WHO. We have lifted some of the restrictions but also Malawi has started integrating covid-19 activities into primary health services with support from Africa CDC SLL program
  • For instance, the provision of COVID-19 and cholera vaccines, screening for NCDs and health talks at the COVID-19 Vaccine Centres
  • In addition, our Community Health Volunteers combined efforts for integrated campaigns and outreaches for COVID-19 and other essential health services
• Although COVID-19 is no longer considered a PHEIC, prevention of the re-emergence of  COVID-19 is still our priority. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that herd immunity is achieved.
•  We will continue providing safe and quality vaccines to the population alongside health promotion messages and also integrate COVID-19 vaccination into routine health services.

10. As a new public health agency for the continent, how can Africa CDC best position itself to ensure sustainability and maximum impact in Africa’s public health arena?

• Africa CDC is our first Continent-wide public health institution, and as such we want to see more Regional Collaborative efforts towards the AU MS
• Furthermore, now that it is an Autonomous Institution, it needs to bring all partners and stakeholders together and be the voice in terms of the challenges the continent experiences
• The Africa CDC through the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, has created an enabling environment with Technical Working Groups in the Region for networking, information sharing and bringing the National Public Health Institutes on one platform
• Africa CDC should fast-track the commitments in the New Public Health Order, Including strengthening public health institutions, workforce development especially at the community level, and local manufacturing of essential commodities such as vaccines

11. In short: Describe the future of public health in Africa.

• The COVID-19 pandemic gave us a learning experience to redesign our health system tailored towards our needs
• Through Africa CDC New Public Health Order, we build strong health institutions.
• We will coordinate health emergencies in our respective countries.
• We will have a workforce well trained and motivated with all the required tools
• We have an opportunity to produce our own commodities to match the growing demand in the continent

The post Interview with Malawi Minister of Health, Honourable Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP appeared first on Africa CDC.

Several implementing partners actively participated, including; Global Security Health Systems (GHSS), DRC Red Cross, and World Food Programme (WFP). The RRI campaign was carried out in a total of 49 health zones, including 35 health zones in Kinshasa (Kinshasa Centre, East and West Branches) and 14 health zones in Lualaba. To ensure the ‘ ‘campaign’s success, the Ministry of Health established 487 fixed vaccination sites and 65 mobile teams of GHSS (45 for Kinshasa and 20 for Lualaba), where mobile teams vaccinated at least twice the number of people vaccinated daily by fixed teams.

The campaign aimed to administer booster shots to priority groups such as elderly persons with co-morbidities and healthcare workers as part of the 2023 acceleration plan for COVID-19 vaccination. The mass vaccination campaign was successful, reaching 212,150 people in Kinshasa and 92,651 people in Lualaba. Out of those who were vaccinated, 9,958 were the elderly, 1,679 people with comorbidities and 1,317 were health workers,

“The Ministry of Health identified the mass vaccination campaign as one of the strategies to rapidly increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by the eligible population in DRC. ‘We encourage community influencers to support social mobilization, strengthen risk communication, and community engagement through local communication and youth engagement using the Bingwa Initiative in getting more of the populations vaccinated”” Dr Fabrice Kankolongo, Chief Medical Special Advisor, Office of the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention Kinshasa.

Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities preceded the campaign, including door-to-door community mobilization, radio jingles and spots, targeted announcements, roadshows, posters, leaflets, and flyers distribution. Similarly, the Bingwa initiative provided significant on-site live entertainment through road shows and infotainment during the vaccination to engage the youth population. This included mobile trucks that set up immunization tents at strategic public spaces with vaccine mobile teams, comedians, dancers, and other performing artists to reach more people.

The motorbike convoy engagement attracted additional attention on the streets and enthralled onlookers with the skill demonstrations like dancing, music, and comedy.

Additionally, the campaign engaged influencers through real-world testimonials and reward programs to promote community dialogue. This helped build trust in the COVID-19 vaccine, eliminating vaccine hesitancy and increasing trust.

“As part of my daily transport business, I come into contact with a large number of people. Recognizing the potential risk of spreading the virus, I have taken proactive measures to protect myself and my community by getting vaccinated. This, in turn, will help prevent further economic hardship and ensure the safety of those around me. I urge others to do the same” – Bike taximan in Lualaba, DR Congo.

The multi-pronged approach to RCCE proved highly effective, mobilizing the community and engaging  various stakeholders to increase vaccine trust and uptake. The Africa CDC provided daily supportive supervision to field teams deployed in over 43 health zones, and each team member ensured quality reporting of data that adhered to data quality standards.

During the vaccination campaign, the Africa CDC pharmacovigilance team ensured the efficient identification, monitoring and reporting of any adverse events following immunization(AEFI) that may occur during or after vaccination. In collaboration with EPI, 65 AEFI focal points were identified and actively followed up on individuals who received vaccination in the two provinces for 28 days after vaccination. These focal points  were pivotal in promoting the accuracy and promptness of adverse event reporting, essential to maintaining public safety and confidence in the vaccination program. Overall, the campaign presented an opportunity to adopt learning, best practices, and experiences to upscale and replicate in other Member States with low vaccination rates and coverage. This was the second mass vaccination campaign supported by Africa CDC in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation through the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative in the provinces of Lualaba and Kinshasa in DRC.

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The initial findings were validated and enriched by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) through five virtual regional consultative workshops conducted in October 2022. Participants included 191 stakeholders from 43 Member States including representatives of Ministries of Health, civil society organisations, mycology experts, dermatologists, and lung disease and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis care providers.

The diagnostic survey report was then launched at the 2nd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA), in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 12th, 2022, with different representatives of GAFFI, Ministry of Health, including Dr Hanitriniala Sahondranirina, the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Madagascar on behalf of the Minister of Health of Madagascar, and different partners from private and public sectors.

Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz, who leads the Division of Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC, declared: “The toll of fungal disease in vulnerable patients has gone unchecked for too long. We welcome this report and expect it to galvanise action to implement, in a stepwise fashion, improved diagnostics for serious fungal disease.”

The report is available in English and French. Individual country profiles can also be accessed here.

About the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Africa CDC is the autonomous continental health agency of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.africacdc.org

About Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI)

The high-level objective of GAFFI is to ensure that WHO Essential Diagnostics and Antifungal drugs are accessible to all and aligned to Universal Health Coverage. Vulnerable people from countries in the global south are disproportionately affected, and those afflicted with fungal disease live in misery due to morbidity, the inability to work, and the stigma. Limited diagnosis and poor measurement of disease morbidity means that the true scale of the problem is unknown. GAFFI has been a key global voice for fungal diseases in terms of public and global health since 2013. www.GAFFI.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Liliane Bilogho Ndong Nang, Advocacy/Communications Officer, Mobile: +24166740094, Email: nangl@africa-union.org

GAFFI
Maya Yglesias, Mobile: +44 7534917154, Email: maya.y@thisisgoodwork.org

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“The digital transformation strategy represents a critical milestone in our mission to improve public health in Africa. As Africa CDC spearheads the implementation of the New Africa Public Health Order, we are committed to leveraging technology to strengthen our response to public health emergencies and to build resilient health systems across the continent.”, said Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Deputy Director General of Africa CDC.

Launched on March 6^th, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, the digital transformation strategy has two main strategic objectives: making Africa CDC an informatics-savvy institution and positioning Africa CDC to support African Union’s Member States in strengthening their public health systems. To achieve these goals, Africa CDC has developed 10 flagship initiatives, ranging from connecting all Africa’s health facilities, to promoting homegrown HealthTech innovation and including more women in the fast-growing digital health sector.

“Africa’s growing digital native population combined with increased penetration of digital technologies and literacy present a historic opportunity to rethink how health interventions are designed and delivered. We believe that the combined expertise and resources from Member States, the African Union, Development Partners, and local digital health ecosystems are enough to usher a digital health revolution with an impact that is comparable to how mobile payments revolutionized financial inclusion,” stated Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Africa CDC’s Chief Digital Advisor.

The digital transformation seeks to achieve 10 key benefits, including accessibility, quality, affordability, equity, capacity, opportunity, capabilities, efficiency, accountability, and scalability. Flagship initiatives include HealthConnekt Africa to connect all health facilities and community health workers, a Public Health Informatics Fellowship, an annual HealthTech Summit, a Digital Innovation and Data Sandbox, and an initiative to fast track the digitization of primary health care and strengthen integrated disease surveillance and response.

The implementation of the strategy is currently led by eminent experts in digital health policy and strategy, data analytics, systems, business, and product engineering, organized in a Digital Delivery and Innovation Team as well as a Project Management Officer who supports Member States as they domesticate the flagship initiatives.

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For more information on Africa CDC’s Digital Transformation Strategy, please visit: https://africacdc.org/download/digital-transformation-strategy/

About the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

Africa CDC is the autonomous continental health agency of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.africacdc.org

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities, and African citizens.  AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous, and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient, and responsive Commission. Learn more at: https://au.int/en/

For more information, please contact:

Jean Philbert Nsengimana,

Chief Digital Advisor | Africa CDC

Email: nsengimanaj@africa-union.org

Media Contacts:  Ms. Liliane Bilogho Ndong Nang | Technical Officer for RCCE | Africa CDC | Email: NangL@africa-union.org

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