The Roundtable hosted by Africa CDC in partnership with Mastercard Foundation under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, addressed the urgent need to develop a sustainable vaccine Research and Development (R&D) workforce in Africa. The panel of experts from leading organizations, stressed the need for innovative financing and greater coordination to overcome the continent’s R&D and manufacturing talent deficits. One key takeaway was the call to cultivate partnerships, boost workforce development, and champion the complete localization of the R&D value chain.

Enhancing capacity through intra-continental collaboration is important, and political support  is critical to bridge the significant gaps in R&D and manufacturing. Efforts are underway to establish a network of regional capacity and capability centers, enabling African research institutions to collaborate and share resources. During the keynote panel on ‘Implementing Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa.’Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih, the Acting Coordinator of the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), emphasized the need for synergy among African member states. He outlined Africa CDC’s pivotal role in streamlining efforts and fostering demand for locally produced health products, underlining the need for R&D, workforce development, technology transfer and ensuring vaccine manufacturers in Africa have a sustainable market and economies of scale through the pooled procurement mechanism. The session on Global Health and Monoclonal Antibodies shed light on the essential function of monoclonal antibodies in tackling diseases in lower-middle-income countries, focusing on the hurdles of cost and regulatory barriers to access.

Dr. Yewande Alimi, the One Health Unit Lead at Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of vaccines as a cost-effective intervention to reduce infections and the subsequent need for antimicrobial consumption, which drives AMR. She underscored the need to scale up local manufacturing for relevant vaccines and increase policy investments in Africa’s   manufacturing ecosystem during the panel session on “Defining the Value of Vaccines Against AMR.” She called for simplified AMR messaging to the public and policy makers to promote the value of vaccines as a cost-effective intervention for low and middle income countries.  

Furthermore, discussions on building healthcare supply chains for regional production in Africa addressed overcoming trade barriers and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance local manufacturing coordination and capabilities.

The Africa CDC exhibition booth showcased Africa CDC’s work in the vaccine ecosystem, including efforts through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative, Antimicrobial Resistance, and One Health and other health programs. The event attracted 4,000 attendees, including 450 speakers and 250 exhibitors, all committed to advancing the global vaccine value chain.

Health Security for Africa means access to safe and effective vaccines, and the Africa CDC is committed to expanding local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, a key strategy that is essential for achieving Africa’s self-sufficiency and significantly enhancing global health security.

Media inquiries: Ms. Ndahafa Nakwafila| Communication and Public Information Directorate, Africa CDC, Email: Communications@africacdc.org | NakwafilaN@africacdc.org

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A health worker prepares a COVID-19 vaccine at a makeshift tent in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, in December 2021.
A proposed pandemic agreement is much needed, but its form, content, and structure should not perpetuate fragility and disparities across global health systems, particularly in Africa.
The inequities laid bare during the COVID-19 pandemic touched a raw nerve, evidenced by the outcry from the global health community about our flawed global health security frameworks. A global pandemic agreement must put equity at the heart of the prevention, preparation, and response work for the next outbreak. African states are working together to ensure that we are in a position to ensure a strong pandemic response for our communities and for the world.
During the early days of COVID-19, the development and distribution of vaccines saw a haphazard
response, undermined by a lack of transparency in data sharing and poor coordination. Vaccine nationalism manifested itself, as some nations hoarded drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines, while other countries were unable to buy the necessary lifesaving equipment. They had to wait for vaccines later in the production line, or vaccines that were close to expiry, which were as we now
know, illustrative of inequity and a lack of inclusivity.
We saw countries having to contend with conflicting advice, politicized pandemic response processes, inadequate compliance management systems, and a lack of resources to purchase vaccines bilaterally in the face of the failure of global frameworks.
These problems call for multilevel solutions. The World Health Organization formed an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to draft a new legally binding pandemic agreement. If all goes to plan, member states will conclude negotiations in the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2024.
Undoubtedly, this new agreement must fill the gaps seen in the IHR to ensure equity worldwide.
What does this mean vis-à-vis what WHO member states should do in these next weeks? As they grapple with textual negotiations and key areas of disagreement, such as pathogen access and benefit sharing, research and development conditionalities, and technology transfer? While we urge consensus by May, we also urge that we end up with a win for Africa.

Some of the debates that have emerged are: How will this agreement be governed? How will member states comply in the absence of funding commitments? And where will the body conducting checks and balances over implementation sit?
Additionally, there is scrutiny on the use of discretionary language and potential loopholes such as
“in accordance with national laws,” scrutiny on traceable pathogen and genetic sequence data sharing, and equitable benefit sharing.
We note that many high-income nations have intellectual property rights exemptions in their domestic laws. As issues of IP waivers were a big concern during COVID-19, we believe these disparities must be exhaustively addressed.

A time for Africans to speak with one voice
In a letter signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on March 1 to African leaders, he urged negotiating teams representing the African continent within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body and the working group on international health regulation amendment to present a “united front.”
“We want to see a final pandemic treaty that provides unfettered ground for meaningful participation
and co-creation of decisions.”
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“An undivided stance is paramount for the strength and effectiveness of our collective efforts, especially concerning the contentious issues that might strengthen our ability to prepare for pandemics,” he wrote.
This is once again a time for Africans to speak with one voice. Efforts to do so are underway, including through the Common African Position on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, or CAP PPPR, which was approved on May 20, 2023.
Spearheaded by the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the CAP PPPR is designed to strengthen Africa’s negotiating position in the pandemic treaty discussions, guaranteeing that the continent’s priorities are adequately reflected in global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms.
The Africa Working Group and Africa CDC are committed to supporting African Union Member States on these negotiations and will provide an update on the outcome of the pandemic agreement negotiations at the next AU assembly in February 2025.
Modeling has shown a 47%-57% chance of a pandemic as serious as COVID-19 occurring in the next 25 years. With support, coordination, and a pandemic agreement that enshrines equity, Africa CDC can help counter this threat on the continent and globally. African leaders have pledged to increase the share of vaccines locally manufactured in Africa from 1%-60% by 2040.
We can mitigate the anticipated threats if we build the capacity to manufacture vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics locally. We want to see a final pandemic treaty that provides unfettered ground for meaningful participation and co-creation of decisions. Benefit sharing has to be fairly addressed, technology transfer must be facilitated, and clear research and development conditions upon pandemic funding must be clearly stated and established in domestic laws, including on affordable pricing plans.
As the Africa CDC, we are on a crusade to see the success of the New Public Health Order, which prioritizes the establishment of resilient national and continental public health institutes, and health
workforce development across the continent. We need an agreement that favors this growth.
As we negotiate for this global consensus, lessons Africa learned from the COVID-19 pandemic must not be forsaken. When COVID-19 vaccines became available, Africa was never a priority. As mentioned earlier in this article, fewer vaccines were accessible for African countries, resulting in lower vaccination coverage. Delays in raising financing to coordinate a pandemic response cost lives. Export bans compromised vaccine access — and so on.
A new pandemic agreement must enshrine safeguards to prevent these incidents from repeating.

About the author
Jean Kaseya, a Congolese medical doctor with advanced degrees in epidemiology and community health, was appointed director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in February 2023. Kaseya brings to this position over 25 years of expertise in the field of public health, having held pivotal roles both at the national and international levels with various organizations from the private sector, philanthropies, and bilateral and multilateral development partners.

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Africa faces a significant challenge, importing 99 percent of its vaccines and 70 to 90 percent of its medicines and medical devices. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa’s vulnerabilities in global health, emphasizing the critical need for local manufacturing capabilities.

The Africa CDC is working with African Union Member States to actively support the procurement of vaccines made in Africa and prioritize initiatives that strengthen local manufacturing.

Kenyan-based Revital Healthcare EPZ is leading healthcare innovation as the first African company to receive the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification for its auto-disable (AD) syringe. This notable achievement signifies a major shift toward self-reliance in manufacturing health commodities on the continent. 

AD syringes, designed for use in mass immunization programs, are locked after a single use, effectively preventing their reuse. This design ensures safe vaccinations and reduces the risk of infections that can arise from contaminated needles. As the leading medical device manufacturer on the continent, Revital Healthcare EPZ Limited exports to over 30 countries globally. Producing over 50 different medical devices, the company played a pivotal role in combating COVID-19 in Africa. This success exemplifies the potential of African manufacturers to produce critical medical supplies for the continent. 

The achievements made by Revital Healthcare align with Africa CDC’s strategic goal to expand local manufacturing and innovation of health products on the continent. The establishment of key continental agencies and coordination bodies, such as the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, African Medicines Agency, African Medical Supplies Platform, and the Africa Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, has significantly advanced the agenda for local manufacturing.

The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, specifically formed to strengthen the African vaccine manufacturing ecosystem, aims to have Africa manufacture 60 percent of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040. However, realizing the vision of a self-reliant Africa demands concerted efforts to ensure that no country is left behind. Effective coordination between these entities is essential for formulating integrated and consistent regulatory policies for developing sustainable markets across Africa. Through action-oriented partnerships and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, a transformative shift can be achieved, where African manufacturers meet the continent’s health commodity needs and governments actively contribute to these goals. By fostering the growth of local manufacturing, Africa is paving the way towards robust and self-reliant health systems, ensuring people can obtain and use health commodities when and where they need them.

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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Africa CDC is dedicated to supporting African Union Member States in implementing the IPC Legal Framework. Recognizing the life-saving potential of laws, Africa CDC actively promotes adopting and enforcing effective legal measures for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Through financial, technical, and collaborative assistance, Africa CDC empowers countries to strengthen their legal frameworks, ultimately enhancing their ability to safeguard public health and mitigate the impact of outbreaks.

Africa CDC is in the process of implementing the IPC Legal Framework in Member States. It has so far supported four (4) Member States, including Cameroon, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria. In these workshops, a multisectoral approach is encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and strategise the effective implementation of the legal instrument. Cameroon, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria’s experiences can serve as case studies, providing valuable insights for African Union Member States. Through technical support and inclusive workshops, Africa CDC aims to strengthen infection prevention and control measures across the continent and foster a collaborative approach to implementing the IPC Legal Framework.

During the joint workshop held in Douala, Cameroon, between the Ministry of Health of Cameroon, Africa CDC, and the World Health Organization, significant progress was made towards establishing a sustainable national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program. The workshop outputs included a Legal Assessment report of the gaps, weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities of the IPC Legal Framework. In addition, it had the evaluation of the existing IPC program. It facilitated the drafting and implementation of an IPC legal framework, the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation Tools, and the development of standards for IPC. The report provides recommendations for enhancing IPC in Cameroon, such as forming an intersectoral task force, developing validated IPC standard operating procedures, and revising legal instruments to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

During the visit to Lilongwe, Malawi, the team assessed the feasibility of establishing a robust IPC Legal Framework. Activities included legal mapping, identifying gaps, and developing recommendations across six IPC domains. The conclusion emphasized amending the Public Health Act to establish the National IPC program with regulations for collaboration, national standards, education, surveillance, and compliance monitoring. Integration of Health Associated Infections (HAIs), surveillance, development of HAI SOPs, and mechanisms for regular evaluation of standards were proposed. The National IPC Operational Plan was presented for approval.

A collaborative IPC Legal Framework Assessment Workshop was held in Lagos, Nigeria, from 3rd to 9th December 2023 to enhance Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices. Participants reviewed and validated the IPC legal instrument analysis report, developed a draft IPC legal framework, and made amendments to the NCDC Act 2018. The workshop refined IPC standards, proposed regulations, and enforcement mechanisms through presentations, group work sessions, and constructive discussions. The outcome was a comprehensive IPC legal framework that will contribute to improved infection prevention and control measures across Nigeria, ensuring the protection of public health. Africa CDC has developed and endorsed an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Legal Framework to provide guidelines and regulations for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. The framework aims to strengthen healthcare systems and safeguard public health. By empowering countries to improve their legal frameworks and effectively implement the IPC Legal Framework, Africa CDC aims to enhance infection prevention and control measures continent-wide. Through these efforts, laws can save lives by promoting proactive measures, swift responses to outbreaks, and safeguarding the well-being of African individuals and communities.

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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The Role of Africa CDC

The Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to alleviating the burden of viral hepatitis through the Continental Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program. This initiative embrace a multifaceted approach focusing strengthening health systems, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, enhancing surveillance strategies to improve understanding of disease burden to prioritize prevention intervention, developing the healthcare workforce, and scaling up the introduction and coverage of timely administration of Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine. Through collaborative dialogue, and leveraging collective expertise in sharing of best practices, Africa CDC aims to strengthen support for Member States in eliminating viral hepatitis. For example, in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Africa CDC has instituted a south-to-south experiential sharing training program, with the objective of replicating Egypt’s successful model for eliminating viral hepatitis C in other African Union Member States. The African Hepatitis Summit 2023 provided a platform for Egypt to share experiences that could be replicated by experts from other Member States. As underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, global health relies on collective efforts, emphasizing the interconnectedness between the health and well-being of nations. Africa CDC emphasizes that eliminating viral hepatitis is both a goal and an imperative that will be reached through solidarity among Member States in the fight against hepatitis.

The summit led to critical recommendations that aim to accelerate Africa’s commitment to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.

The Outcome of the Summit

Governments across Africa were urged to prioritize several key actions including:

Scale up Hepatitis B and C Testing: Governments were encouraged to implement testing strategies co-designed with individuals who have lived through the experience of hepatitis. These strategies should be delivered through a collaboration of public, private, and community-based services, using innovative point-of-care screening and diagnostic tools integrated with existing one-stop testing services.

Improve Linkage to Care: Ensuring that people living with viral hepatitis have access to life-saving treatments was highlighted as a crucial step in the elimination process.

Enhance Collaboration with Partners: An enabling environment for collaboration with partners, including affected communities, was deemed essential. These communities should be at the centre of the viral hepatitis response.

Integration into Health Systems: Integration of viral hepatitis into health systems, particularly in antenatal care, was advocated as part of the triple elimination strategy.

Newborn and Infant Vaccination: The inclusion of newborn and infant hepatitis B vaccination in routine immunization programs was recommended to prevent deaths among children born in Africa.

Legislation for Equal Rights: Governments were advised to adopt and enforce laws, policies, and practices that safeguard the equal rights of people living with viral hepatitis, enabling them to live their lives free from discrimination or disadvantage.

Domestic Financing: Significantly increasing domestic financing for hepatitis programs was emphasized to ensure that Africans have access to vaccination, testing, care, and treatment. The African Hepatitis Summit 2023 served as a crucial forum for stakeholders across the continent to advance discussions and inspire action. It allowed for the exchange of experiences, challenges, and best practices, and promoting learning between countries at different stages of eliminating hepatitis. Africa CDC will continue to closely collaborate with African Member States and partners to develop strategic priorities not only for viral hepatitis but also for other major health concerns.

For more information contact: 

Dr. Nafiisah Chotun – Programme Lead for Endemic and Neglected Tropical Diseases
Africa CDC ChotunB@africacdc.org 

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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At the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in November 2023, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) hosted an inaugural side event focused on enhancing the Continental RCCE and SBC architecture to prepare communities for future pandemics aligned with the vision for a New Public Health Order.

The meeting served as a strategic advocacy platform to strengthen RCCE efforts, share best practices, and scale up lessons learned across the continent. In emergency preparedness, research plays a pivotal role, and the inclusion of women, children, and mothers in early research participation within priority groups is fundamental. Swift research during emergencies is imperative, and this involves seamlessly incorporating routine monitoring through rumour tracking and effectively weaving in emergency sites.

Challenges in vaccine access, particularly for marginalized groups, highlighted the need for more agile mechanisms to generate access within a two-week timeframe. The consensus was clear – continuous investment in research mechanisms is essential. The importance of incorporating social data into the broader global data landscape and enhancing SBC indicators for a more people-centered approach echoed throughout the discussions.

The significance of making data-based communication personal and testing what works emerged as a critical theme. The need for proactiveness in designing messages to adapt interventions to communities’ evolving needs was underscored. The multifaceted challenge of risk perception, especially for mothers, emphasized the importance of aligning demand and service.

The event concluded with a solid commitment to foundational principles, emphasizing the need to build a fit-for-purpose system centred around RCCE and SBC, pro-gender action, workforce development, and active community listening. Collaboration was seen as a linchpin for addressing cross-cutting issues such as gender, with a focus on creating a strong foundation for future public health challenges.

The inclusion of innovative technologies, AI chatbots, and leveraging digital space for feedback into the SBC system demonstrated a commitment to staying adaptive. The event showcased how IT, media, and data could collaborate in a multimedia approach, considering local languages and packaging stories for a more expansive and targeted audience.

Success for these strategies hinges on anchoring them within the established Technical Working Groups (TWG) for RCCE, national coordination mechanisms, and the integration of RCCE into the global health strategy. The call for diverse partnerships, structured mapping, and community engagement platforms emphasized the need for a proactive, well-coordinated, and inclusive approach to public health emergencies. The experiences shared highlighted the importance of community involvement and trust-building, as well as the necessity guidelines and sustained focus in RCCE and SBC programs. Additionally, the platform signifies a relevant stage for collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving efforts and sustained commitment towards a more effective response to future public health emergencies in Africa. The insights gained are poised to create a robust public health framework, elevating the understanding and appreciation of the central role played by RCCE and SBC during crises and in the post-pandemic landscape. Advocacy will continue to generate an awakened and sustained political commitment to the RCCE and SBC agenda through policies and programming, encouraging increased funding and long-term support. The experiences shared highlight the importance of community involvement and trust

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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The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a USD 1.5 million partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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. The initiative supports and contributes to the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
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Infectious diseases continue to be the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Africa. The impact of known existing, emerging and re-emerging diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and others are causing suffering and mortality to a wide proportion of populations in low- and middle-income countries in general, and Africa in particular. Over 227 million years of health life have been lost with an annual productivity loss exceeding $800 billion in Africa. With malnutrition a common contributor to illness, the five highest causes of mortality in Africa are acute respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrhoea, malaria and tuberculosis – being responsible for about 80% of the total infectious disease burden and claiming more than 6 million people every year.

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected lives, livelihoods and economies in Africa. It has claimed over 250,000 lives and over 12 million reported cases. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention led a continental pandemic response by designing appropriate strategies that targeted the unique challenges and diverse epidemiology of the disease. Despite the challenges, the continent’s response was quick and unified, with strong public support for safety measures. It has significantly learned from the experiences of past outbreaks, such as Ebola and polio.

One emergency to another

As the continent emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, it faces multiple public health emergencies, including emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, cholera, meningitis, measles, Mpox, yellow fever, dengue fever and Rift Valley fever. Multiple factors contribute to the rise of emerging infectious diseases in Africa, with more than 100 disease outbreaks reported every year. These outbreaks are exacerbated by the disruption of health services by the Covid-19 pandemic, economic challenges that affect investment in health, changes in climate and weather, changing ecosystems, rapid population growth, rapidly increasing urbanisation, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and social inequality and instability, among other factors. Much remains to be done to achieve zero transmission and eliminate malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Africa. The ever-increasing challenges and complexity of infectious diseases call for building strong and resilient healthcare systems that improve the quality of primary health services across the continent. Adequate financial support to strengthen public health institutions and laboratories is also critical to prepare, detect and respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are significantly increasing in Africa. The proportion of NCD-related deaths increased from 24% in 2019 to 37% in 2020. Africa CDC has developed strategic priorities for NCDs including enhancing capacity to develop and implement policies to prevent, protect and manage them; political advocacy for better financing; workforce development; and increased access to essential technologies, medicines and diagnostics in Africa.

Climate change is among the most significant health threats facing the African continent. With increasing temperatures, environmental and ecological changes, the continental disease profile is changing. The 2023 monsoon flooding in Malawi and Mozambique exacerbated the cholera outbreak, leading to the largest and most deadly outbreak in Malawi. It is critical for Africa to build a climate-resilient health system with the utmost urgency. The unmet needs of sexual and reproductive health, malnutrition, injuries and mental health also remain major health challenges in Africa.

In February 2022, the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government elevated Africa CDC to an autonomous public health institution. Despite its early successes, it must improve its operations to fulfil the substantial demands placed upon it. Our vision is for Africa CDC to become world class and self-sustaining. This entails assembling a team of renowned experts and reliable on-the-ground rapid-response units. Adequate funding and efficient resource allocation are crucial. Africa CDC will contribute to strengthening national institutions to detect, prevent and control diseases, aligning with universal health coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU’s Agenda 2063. To achieve this, we propose Africa CDC’s New Deal, focused on governance, performance and accountability. It involves integrating digital technologies and public health intelligence and establishing effective partnerships. It will use performance indicators to ensure transparent and accountable alignment and coordination of interventions and resources.

An instrumental deal

Africa CDC’s New Deal will be instrumental to implement the New Public Health Order. Working alongside a variety of stakeholders, it will integrate the continent’s public health assets. To do this, the following actions are necessary.

First, we must enhance the capability to combat infectious diseases by strengthening preparedness and response capacities, risk assessment and disease prevention. This includes establishing common drug-procurement mechanisms, subregional medicines depots and medical supplies.

Second, we must accelerate the digitalisation of biomonitoring, telemedicine and real-time health data management to advance health systems. This will enable equitable access to telemedicine and biomonitoring, and streamline programme management and responsiveness to epidemics.

Third, we must enhance collaboration with public-private partners and African communities across all levels of intervention, for example expanding partnerships to accelerate the digital health transformation in Africa and involving high-level political representatives to advocate for
health funding.

Fourth, we must raise awareness among different audiences, including the private sector, governments and community organisations. Diverse communication channels and activities, such as sports, cultural and business, will promote Africa CDC’s vision and build trust.

Fifth, we must implement innovative financing mechanisms. Africa CDC has successfully mobilised resources from institutions and private investment for specific projects, employing a blended financing model. Introducing sustainable financing mechanisms, such as an African air tax, can strengthen our autonomy and capacity for action.

Sixth, we must expand the industralisation of health products and technology innovation and manufacturing. Ensuring the supply security of health product commodities of Africa requires the localisation of manufacturing of priority vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Africa CDC leads the continent in addressing health security challenges. It aims to improve and become more effective, efficient and reliable in supporting AU member states. Africa CDC will integrate the five key actions of the New Public Health Order into the New Deal and thus fulfil its mandate. 

Jean Kaseya
Director General, Africa CDC

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AMR in South Sudan: A Silent Threat

South Sudan’s history of conflict and persistent health challenges have left it vulnerable to a silent threat, and the lack of a comprehensive national plan exacerbates the issue. As the youngest African country, it has a population of approximately 10.75 million and one of the region’s highest poverty rates (83.3%). The COVID-19 pandemic further strained resources, undermining the gains made over the years and making the country even more vulnerable to infectious diseases. The urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance within South Sudan cannot be overstated, as it is critical for public health, food security, and overall national sustainability.

The urgent need for an effective AMR National Action Plan

The urgency for an AMR National Action Plan arises from the escalating threat of drug-resistant infections, including multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Without a coordinated strategy, antimicrobial misuse persists, rendering infections harder to treat and driving the emergence of resistant pathogens. In April 2023, Africa CDC, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), supported a three-week-long activity in South Sudan in developing their costed National Action Plan for AMR and operational strategy in one health approach which will serve as a roadmap to tackle this growing issue. The one health approach emphasizes coordinating efforts across the health, agriculture, and environmental sectors.  The plan is in its final stages for validation and will be launched soon.

The National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) formulation acknowledges and recognizes the interplay of sectors like agriculture, highlighting the need for integrated interventions. By addressing the improper use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry and crop protection, the plan aims to enhance productivity and food security. With commitment from leaders and international partners, this plan promises to reduce drug-resistant infections significantly.

It is worth noting that many Member States allocate limited budgets to the healthcare sector, severely undermining efforts to control and combat infectious diseases. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies, swift action, and sustainable practices among policymakers and donors.

Conclusion

Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in South Sudan necessitates collaborative action, including awareness raising among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. National leaders must commit to the action plan and allocate resources through a multisectoral collaboration, strong disease surveillance, enhanced lab capacity, and proper prescribing practices in the country. This aligns with the broader need for international support and knowledge sharing, which are significant in prioritizing the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Acting now is vital against this urgent threat!

Media inquiries:

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

G. Nekerwon Gweh, Communication Officer – Policy, Health Diplomacy & Communication; Africa CDC | Tel: +251 945 502 310 | Email: GwehN@africa-union.org

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