Plan Aims to Strengthen Health Systems, Boost Disease Prevention Across African Union Member States

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (BG) – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with African Union Member States, has unveiled an ambitious strategic blueprint to address endemic and neglected tropical diseases across the continent, the Africa CDC said in a media release Thursday.

The new plan, endorsed during a workshop held Nov. 27–29 in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, seeks to integrate the prevention and control of major health threats—including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)—into national health systems.

The workshop brought together delegates from all 55 African Union Member States, who validated the strategic priorities for the 2024–2027 period.

The blueprint represents a unified, continent-wide approach to some of Africa’s most pressing health challenges, focusing on strengthening health systems and prioritizing disease prevention.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, underscored the importance of the initiative.

“It is indeed an honor to address you today and to participate in this important workshop with the expectation that we come out of it stronger with strategies and renewed commitments for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) on the continent,” said Kaseya.

Africa remains disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of related deaths. The continent also bears 40% of the global burden of NTDs, with every African country affected by at least one endemic NTD, according to Africa CDC.

The main barriers to progress include chronic underfunding, weak health systems, limited research capacity, and insufficient access to treatment.

The newly adopted strategy aims to tackle these challenges through several initiatives, including fostering multisectoral collaboration, strengthening disease monitoring, and enhancing partnerships for sustainable health system improvements.

Delegates also finalized a costed implementation plan to ensure a measurable and effective health response across Africa.

“We need to change the narrative by intensifying our efforts to find sustainable solutions for the control and elimination of these diseases,” Kaseya added.

The plan aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and reflects Africa CDC’s focus on the “New Public Health Order,” which emphasizes the continent’s self-reliance in health security, Africa CDC said.

The strategy will be supported by high-level political leadership, with prominent African leaders serving as champions for specific health initiatives.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead pandemic preparedness efforts, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu will focus on health workforce development, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema will champion cholera elimination, and Kenyan President William Ruto will spearhead local manufacturing initiatives.

Dr. Kaseya highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting, “The involvement of Member States is transformative. Together, we will create a more resilient, integrated, and inclusive health future for Africa.”