Timely and efficient data transfer through the internet plays a critical role in establishing a real-time public health genomic surveillance system. However, limited bandwidth internet access remains a significant challenge in Africa, hindering the timely transfer of data and effective utilization of cloud-based or open-source web-based bioinformatics solutions and databases. To address this issue, the Africa PGI, in collaboration with ASLM, BMGF, and SpaceX, initiated a pilot project in September 2023. The primary objective of this project is to enhance access to high-speed satellite-based internet, enabling real-time, or near-real-time, transfer of pathogen genomic data and facilitating access to cloud-based resources. This high-speed internet service will not only improve data transfer but also enhance other internet-based operations such as communication, e-learning, virtual meetings, video conferences, and various other activities. The pilot project is being implemented in all Member States that have obtained regulatory approval for the operation of SpaceX’s satellite-based internet.

With the continuous expansion of the Africa CDC laboratory network, digital transformation becomes imperative to enhance efficiency. In November 2023, the Africa CDC introduced a laboratory network information management system (NIMS – https://www.pgi-nims-africacdc.org/) to monitor and facilitate informed decision-making on network operations. The NIMS system serves as a valuable resource for Africa CDC, centers of excellence, regional and national laboratories, enabling efficient tracking of biological sample shipments and ensuring their integrity during transit from referral sites to destination facilities across the network. This system also supports cross-border sample referrals for testing and sequencing. The NIMS system has undergone successful piloting for cross-border sample referral in four sites and is currently being implemented for in-country sample referral in one site. The integration of connectivity, digitization, and innovative solutions in public health genomics in Africa will contribute significantly to the detection, response, and control of infectious diseases. By strengthening genomics capacity, improving internet access, and digitizing laboratory operations, Africa is poised to harness the full potential of genomics for public health surveillance and outbreak management.

For media enquiries please contact:

Dorothy Njagi | Senior Communication Officer- Communication & Public Information directorate | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention| African Union| email: email: njagid@africacdc.org  | Website: www.africacdc.org| Addis Ababa| Ethiopia| Facebook | Twitter

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A robust mortality surveillance system is indicative of a strong and resilient health system. It enhances the ability to detect weaknesses, optimize healthcare delivery, and fortify healthcare infrastructure against unforeseen challenges. By routinely tracking mortality data, we are able to identify trends and patterns that might signal evolving health challenges. This early detection is instrumental to Africa’s capacity to prepare and respond promptly, thus preventing the escalation of public health crises. That’s why the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has been championing the New Public Health Order, calling for a fundamental shift towards an equitable and just public health landscape that includes the presence of strong and resilient health systems prior to, during, and after health-related emergencies.

It is in the same spirit that in July 2023, the Africa CDC published the Continental Framework for strengthening mortality surveillance systems across Africa. The continental framework provides the key principles and recommendations to help countries develop and enhance holistic mortality surveillance systems that generate information for public health policy and programming. The publication of the continental framework came at a most appropriate time given the demand for improved mortality data from integrated public health information systems. The Africa CDC acknowledges the critical need for increased self-reliance in our continent’s health systems and recognizes that Africa can and must do more to safeguard its health security. In this regard, key strategic shifts are urgently needed to gear country systems towards generating ‘near to real time’ routine surveillance outputs to guide emergency public health responses, particularly in this era of data modernisation. Africa CDC continues to advocate for improved mortality data, while calling upon the collective contributions of all partners and stakeholders towards the realization of this goal.

For media enquiries please contact:

Dorothy Njagi | Senior Communication Officer- Communication & Public Information directorate | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention| African Union| email: email: njagid@africacdc.org  | Website: www.africacdc.org| Addis Ababa| Ethiopia| Facebook | Twitter

The post Why strengthening mortality surveillance for epidemic preparedness and response is critical to Africa’s health security appeared first on Africa CDC.

The Two Competency Frameworks were Officially Launched on the sidelines of the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2023) in Lusaka, Zambia on 29 November 2023. Read more on Competency Frameworks: 
https://africacdc.org/download/vaccine-rd-and-vaccine-manufacturing-competency-frameworks/

While building a strong human capital for the African Vaccine Manufacturing, Africa CDC Collaborated with GIZ to develop Business and Operational Models for African Biomanufacturing Training Centres aiming at addressing three main challenges:

* Lack of coordination between local talent development initiatives,

* Brain-drain of local talent, and

* Sustainable financing. Read more: https://africacdc.org/download/business-and-operational-models-for-african-biomanufacturing-training-centres/“

The post Highlights from the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing appeared first on Africa CDC.

The initiative is built upon four strategic priorities. The first priority is to enhance foundational capacities by developing skilled workforce, and networks in the fields of molecular diagnostics, genomics and bioinformatics. The second priority is to strengthen data management, analysis, sharing and translation to inform public health response. The third priority is the implementation of high priority genomic use-cases for public health through an integrated genomic surveillance system. Finally, the fourth priority is to advocate for sustainability and enabling mechanisms through a collaborative community approach involving the whole community.

Through Africa PGI 2.0, Africa CDC is shifting its focus from emergency response to building an optimized, resilient, and integrated molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance ecosystem.

Collaboration is at the heart of Africa PGI 2.0. as Africa CDC aims to strengthen the pivotal public-philanthropic-private partnerships and create the synergy needed to maximize the impact of genomics for disease control and prevention in Africa. By prioritizing capacity-building, data management, genomic surveillance, and collaboration, Africa PGI 2.0 sets the stage for leveraging genomics to address current and future public health challenges in Africa. Through this initiative, Africa is equipping itself with the necessary tools and expertise to lead the way in disease control and prevention through genomics.

The post Africa CDC launches the Africa PGI 2.0 flagship initiative appeared first on Africa CDC.

According to WHO [i]Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right, and it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.

Mental health in Africa

Across the African Region, more than 116 million people [ii]were already estimated to be living with mental health conditions pre-pandemic, which can be explained by mental health conditions being considered as taboo and sometimes linked to superstitious practices such as witchcraft.  People with mental health conditions are often facing discrimination and deprivation of their fundamental rights.

World Mental Health Day is an ideal time for Africa CDC to raise awareness on this less know topic in Africa to advocate for African Member States to invest more in prioritising mental health as serious public health condition globally. World Mental Health Day also acknowledges efforts on how, as a continent, can, build and nurture society that prevents mental health conditions among communities.

MENTAL HEALTH, A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT FOR AFRICANS!

One of the flagship interventions for Africa CDC’s strategy on mental health is the integration of mental health and psychosocial social support into emergency preparedness and response which has a component on addressing suicide and self-harm in humanitarian settings. With partners, Africa CDC has conducted three regional workshops in Western, Central and Eastern Africa regions, bringing together for the first time mental health directors, emergency preparedness and response officers from 38 Member States to develop plans on how to integrate mental health and psychosocial, social support into their national action plan for health security.

Therefore, this year’s theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 “Mental health is a universal human right”, is aligned with Africa CDC’s strategic priorities to promote mental health and well-being, particularly among high-risk groups for mental health conditions such as the healthcare workers.

Key messaging:

• According to WHO ( 2022), Across the African Region, more than 116 million people were already estimated to be living with mental health conditions pre-pandemic.
• Few people in Africa have access to quality mental health care.
• There is No Health without Mental Health!
• Mental Health is ‘‘Our Biggest Wealth’’
• In Africa, many mental health conditions have received too little attention and concern by the general public, the general healthcare system, and elected and appointed public policy makers, resulting in inadequate priority being given to these disorders. We call on African Member States to invest more in addressing mental health issues in Africa.
• Symptoms are not a Barrier to Recovery – Attitude Is

Hashtags:

#WorldMentalHealthDay2023

#AfricaCDC_Cares

How to join the campaign?

• Use one of the messages to create your own personalised poster using the campaign hashtag and tagging @AfricaCDC.
• Repost and share our posts using the campaign hashtag and tag @AfricaCDC
• Be a champion and raise awareness about mental health in your community.
• Be a champion and advocate for your government to invest in mental health programs within your country.
• Participate in your local mental health awareness and advocacy campaign; click here to learn more about the global campaign.

Media inquiries: Litete Beyande Raïssa, Campaign and Promotion Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication: Africa CDC | Email: LiteteR@africa-union.org

About Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous Public Health agency of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

[i] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

[ii] https://www.afro.who.int/regional-director/speeches-messages/world-mental-health-day-2022

The post Mental Health, A Universal Human Right for Africans appeared first on Africa CDC.

Africa is largely reliant on other regions of the world for lifesaving vaccines. Currently, only one percent of the vaccines administered in Africa are produced locally; the remaining 99 percent are imported. Such an imbalance in production can contribute to unequal access to needed vaccines and enormous health disparities between regions.

The tide is turning, however; investment in African vaccine manufacturing has surged in recent years as Africa works to safeguard itself against future pandemics and disease outbreaks—and particularly to avoid the delays African nations faced in receiving COVID-19 vaccines. But, with so many new projects on the horizon there’s a risk that disparate and uncoordinated efforts will yield duplicative investments in some areas and under-investment in others—which could jeopardize long-term impact.  

Increasing Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capacity will be a multi-year, complex undertaking that requires stakeholders across the public, private, and social sectors work together to create a robust enabling environment. Where do we begin?

Together, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and PATH examined the current and planned vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa to generate insights into what’s needed to develop a robust and sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem. Details are available in a new briefing paper and the information can help stakeholders and funders better coordinate and prioritize development efforts, interventions, and investments.

Akhona Tshangela, Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Coordinator for the Africa CDC; Frauke Uekermann, PhD, CHAI’s Director of Vaccines Markets; and Simone Blayer, PhD, PATH’s Global Head of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls and Nonclinical Toxicology share project insights and how we can help move African vaccine manufacturing forward.

How much capacity does Africa have to manufacture vaccines locally?

Dr. Blayer: Africa has more than enough capacity to formulate fill, and finish (form/fill/finish) vaccines. Current capacity is around 2 billion doses—nearly double the average annual vaccine demand. And, more form/fill/finish capacity is planned; if it all comes to fruition, capacity to form/fill/finish vaccines would more than double the projected African vaccine demand in 2030.

At the same time, capacity to produce antigens locally, the first step in the vaccine manufacturing process, is very limited. Even when capacity expansion plans are taken into account, local antigen production will significantly lag behind the continent’s form/fill/finish capacity.

What are the biggest hurdles to building sustainable vaccine manufacturing capacity?

Dr. Uekermann: Commercial viability poses a huge challenge. The significant excess in form/fill/finish capacity means there likely won’t be an available market for all manufacturing projects under consideration. Also, local government support has been a driving force behind many manufacturers’ plans, which has led to strategies that are aligned to domestic political decisions rather than market requirements—which presents challenges for breaking into the regional and global markets that are necessary for success.

Limited access to technology transfer is another obstacle. Africa is highly reliant on technology transfers with non-African vaccine manufacturers to use the production capacity already installed. But, today, there are insufficient technology transfers in place given the uncertainty in market demand. There also aren’t enough technology transfer partners. Existing agreements are largely with one non-African vaccine manufacturer, which risks a strong dependency on a single organization.

Where is Africa’s vaccine manufacturing ecosystem strong? 

Ms. Tshangela: African leaders’ commitment to building vaccine manufacturing capacity has fast-tracked a roadmap to make Africa self-reliant. For instance, in 2021, the African Union Heads of State and Government formed PAVM to strengthen the continent’s vaccine manufacturing ecosystem and set a goal of locally manufacturing 60 percent of Africa’s immunization needs by 2040. In the past two years, we have seen investments in regional manufacturing total well over 1.5 billion dollars—highlighting global commitment to support the continent’s efforts to diversify health product manufacturing and ensure global health security for all.  

We are getting closer. While conducting site visits for this study, we saw state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities on the continent with adequate operational capacities. With the right resources—such as funding support, technology transfer, and demand certainty—these facilities could be ready for use should the next pandemic hit.

Where should donors and other stakeholders direct their efforts?

Ms. Tshangela: It is crucial to target investments and develop efforts strategically. Longer term, the most strategic investments are those that will focus on building capacity to manufacture antigens locally—this can help mitigate some of the reliance on technology transfer and build end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capabilities. But in the short and medium terms, it’s also important to fund technical support activities that can help manufacturers meet international quality standards like Good Manufacturing Practice and World Health Organization prequalification.

We encourage African vaccine manufacturers to strengthen business planning and focus on vaccines that have strong market potential to ensure economies of scale. Working with our member states on demand commitments for African-made vaccines is also a huge need—by doing so, we can not only help business planning but also accelerate pending technology transfers.

What comes next?

Dr. Blayer: Examining current and planned vaccine manufacturing capacity and capabilities is only one step in the process. We also need to understand the conditions needed to achieve the planned capacity (for example, types and sizes of future factories, workforce numbers, and types of expertise needed). PATH is currently working with partners to define these conditions, which can help manufacturers clarify business and operational needs.

Dr. Uekermann: Developing a set of high-impact market-shaping interventions and supporting in their execution can help address some of the strategic and commercial gaps, like developing demand commitments for African-made vaccines and facilitating the development of strategic technology transfers, among others. CHAI and key stakeholders are currently supporting this work. 

Ms. Tshangela: The Africa CDC is working with African Union Member States to support the procurement of African-made vaccines and identify and prioritize activities that will help Africa reach its manufacturing goals. This includes working with local regulators and the manufacturing workforce to provide essential skills and knowledge. This work was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government, or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The post What will it take to develop a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Africa? appeared first on Africa CDC.

According to the US CDC, rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. However, in many other countries dogs still carry rabies, and most rabies deaths worldwide are caused by dog bites.

After a potential rabies exposure, the  virus infects the central nervous system, causing a disease in the brain, which can ultimately result into death , Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.[i]

“In Africa, about 25,000 humans’ deaths are associated with rabies every year, and approximately 40% of these rabies deaths occur in children under 15 years of age– Africa CDC Director General, H.E Dr Jean Kaseya.

“ALL FOR 1

ONE HEALTH FOR ALL”

On this world Rabies Day, Africa CDC takes the opportunity to raise awareness on this topic which is considered a major public health problem, through a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness among public health stakeholders, encouraging ongoing efforts, and advocating for African Member States, policy-makers, stakeholders to invest in Rabies eradication programmes as part of the Africa CDC New Public Health Order.

Key messaging

• Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.
• You should take your pets to get vaccinated against rabies to protect yourself and your loved ones.
• One of the way to help prevent rabies is to avoid unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.
• Please remember that rabies is a medical urgency but not an emergency. Don’t delay decisions.
• If you’ve been bitten or scratched, you should talk with a healthcare or public health professional to determine your risk for rabies or other illnesses.
• If you are a healthcare professional, you can be a champion by encouraging your health facility to initiate a mass vaccination campaign against rabies.
• You can be a champion and raise awareness of rabies in your local community by educating your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.
• One way of helping control and eradicate rabies is to become an advocate and join your local awareness and advocacy campaign.

Hashtags:

#WorldRabiesDay2023

#AllFor1 #OneHealthForAll

#AfricaCDC_Cares

How to join the campaign?

• Use one of the messages to create your own personalised poster using the campaign hashtag and tagging @AfricaCDC.
• Repost and share our posts using the campaign hashtag and tag @AfricaCDC
• Be a champion and raise awareness about rabies in your community.
• Be a champion and advocate for your government to invest in rabies eradication programs within your country.
• Participate in your local rabies awareness and advocacy campaign; click here to see where World Rabies Day events are taking place in your country.

Media inquiries: Litete Beyande Raïssa, Campaign and Promotion Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication: Africa CDC | Email: LiteteR@africa-union.org

About Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a continental autonomous Public Health agency of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

[i] https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

The post World Rabies Day 2023 Campaign: “All for 1 One Health for All” appeared first on Africa CDC.

De plus, la recherche a également révélé que de bonnes pratiques d’hygiène des mains sont la stratégie la plus efficace pour prévenir la propagation des germes dans les établissements de santé et dans la communauté au sens large. Pourtant, seulement 35 % des personnes en Afrique de l’Ouest ont accès à des installations de base pour se laver les mains à la maison. De même, selon un rapport de l’OMS et de l’UNICEF (2015) sur l’eau, l’assainissement et l’hygiène dans les établissements de santé des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire, en particulier en Afrique, de nombreux établissements de santé n’ont pas accès à des installations d’hygiène des mains.

L’épidémie de COVID-19 en Gambie a également montré que la transmission peut être réduite en se lavant les mains avec de l’eau et du savon ou avec un désinfectant à base d’alcool. “L’hygiène des mains est l’une des interventions les plus efficaces pour prévenir la propagation des maladies infectieuses car elle cible le mode de transmission le plus courant”, a souligné le Dr Buba Manjang, Point focal (PF) national de prévention et de contrôle des infections (PCI) de la Gambie.

Africa CDC organise des formations en PCI pour les travailleurs de la santé par l’intermédiaire du Centre de coordination régional de l’Afrique de l’Ouest afin d’améliorer la mise en œuvre de l’IPC conformément au thème de cette année “Accélérer l’action ensemble”. Pour garantir la pratique d’une bonne hygiène des mains et de la PCI dans les établissements des soins de santé, il est essentiel que les personnes à tous les niveaux comprennent l’importance de ces mesures pour préserver des vies. Les travailleurs de la santé, les soignants et les patients doivent s’engager à adopter des pratiques et des attitudes correctes en matière d’hygiène des mains.

Quand se laver les mains ?

L’hygiène des mains contribue à renforcer la prévention et le contrôle des infections dans les établissements de santé et joue un rôle essentiel dans le maintien de la santé publique. Se laver les mains à des moments clés, comme avant et après avoir préparé des aliments, mangé des aliments, utilisé les toilettes, changé des couches ou nettoyé un enfant qui a utilisé les toilettes, s’être mouché, tousser ou éternuer, toucher des animaux, des aliments pour animaux ou des les déchets et toucher les ordures sont des stratégies importantes pour « accélérer l’action ensemble ».

L’hygiène des mains doit être effectuée dans toutes les indications décrites ci-dessous, que des gants soient utilisés ou non.

Conseils pour bien se laver les mains

Lavez-vous les mains pendant au moins 40 à 60 secondes avec de l’eau et du savon ou utilisez un antiseptique pour les mains à base d’alcool contenant au moins 60 % d’alcool pendant 20 à 30 secondes. Pour assurer une bonne hygiène, suivez les étapes suivantes lors du lavage des mains ;

1. Mouillez-vous les mains avec de l’eau courante tiède ou froide, fermez l’eau, puis appliquez du savon.
2. Faites mousser vos mains avec du savon en les frottant l’une contre l’autre. Massez le dos de vos mains, entre vos doigts et sous vos ongles avec du savon.
3. Frottez-vous les mains pendant au moins 20 secondes.
4. Rincez-vous soigneusement les mains à l’eau courante propre.
5. Utilisez une serviette propre ou un séchoir à air pour vous sécher les mains.

Unissons nos forces pour promouvoir une meilleure hygiène des mains et aider à renforcer les protocoles de prévention et de contrôle des infections dans les établissements de santé. Se laver les mains est un outil puissant pour rester en bonne santé et se protéger des infections !

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Médias :

Dorothée Wambéti Njagi , Chargé principal de communication – Politique, diplomatie de la santé et communication : Africa CDC | Tél : +251 940 559 950 | E-mail: njagid@africa-union.org

À propos du CDC Afrique

Les Centres africains de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC) sont une agence continentale autonome de santé publique de l’Union africaine qui soutient les États membres dans leurs efforts pour renforcer les systèmes de santé et améliorer la surveillance, les interventions d’urgence, la prévention et le contrôle des maladies.

En savoir plus sur : http://www.africacdc.org 

À propos de l’Union africaine

L’Union africaine est le fer de lance du développement et de l’intégration de l’Afrique en étroite collaboration avec les États membres de l’Union africaine, les Communautés économiques régionales et les citoyens africains. Vision de l’UA : accélérer les progrès vers une Afrique intégrée, prospère et inclusive, en paix avec elle-même, jouant un rôle dynamique sur la scène continentale et mondiale, conduite efficacement par une Commission responsable, efficace et réactive. En savoir plus sur : http://www.au.int/en

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