Африканский центр по контролю за заболеваниями реализует 10 стратегий укрепления санитарной безопасности континента

Health Follow Us on Google September 2, 2026 by Oluwadarasimi Adeniyan Ten ways Africa Centres for Disease Control is strengthening Africa’s health security Health security has become an increasingly important issue across Africa as countries continue to face outbreaks of infectious diseases, vaccine-preventable illnesses and other public health emergencies. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), established in 2017 as a specialised technical agency of the African Union, plays a central role in helping African countries prevent, detect and respond to health threats. In 2022, it was elevated to an autonomous public health agency of the African Union. Through disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, vaccination programmes, laboratory networks, workforce development and efforts to increase local production of medicines and vaccines, Africa CDC is working towards a more resilient and self-reliant continent. Here are 10 ways the organisation is strengthening Africa’s health security 1. Strengthening disease surveillance One of Africa CDC’s major roles is helping countries improve their ability to detect diseases and health threats early. Effective surveillance enables health authorities to identify unusual disease patterns, monitor outbreaks and share information that supports faster public health decisions. Africa CDC’s strategic plan identifies early-warning and surveillance systems as a major priority for improving the continent’s ability to detect and respond to outbreaks. 2. Improving emergency preparedness and response Africa CDC works with African Union Member States to strengthen their preparedness for epidemics and other public health emergencies. Its approach brings together surveillance systems, laboratories, national public health institutes, emergency operations centres and trained emergency response personnel. The organisation’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda describes this as part of a continent-wide pandemic prevention, preparedness and response system designed to detect threats earlier and respond more quickly. 3. Building stronger laboratory networks Laboratories are essential for confirming diseases and identifying the pathogens responsible for outbreaks. Africa CDC has made strengthening laboratory systems and networks one of its strategic priorities. This includes improving countries’ capacity to test, identify and monitor infectious diseases. The organisation has also promoted regional laboratory and surveillance networks to support countries during public health emergencies. 4. Expanding vaccination and immunisation programmes Vaccination is one of the most important tools for preventing infectious diseases. In 2026, Africa CDC adopted its Continental Immunisation Strategy for 2026–2030, designed to strengthen immunisation systems, reach zero-dose and under-immunised populations, and make vaccination an important part of resilient primary healthcare and epidemic preparedness. The strategy also focuses on improving vaccine supply chains, strengthening African manufacturing, and preparing immunisation systems to respond to epidemics. 5. Supporting African production of vaccines and medicines Africa remains heavily dependent on imported health products, leaving the continent vulnerable when global supply chains are disrupted. Africa CDC is therefore promoting local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, and other medical products. African leaders have set an ambition for at least 60 per cent of the continent’s health product needs to be met through local manufacturing by 2040. Africa CDC is supporting this objective through initiatives including the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism and efforts to strengthen manufacturing capacity. 6. Developing Africa’s public health workforce A strong health workforce is essential for responding to outbreaks. Africa CDC’s work includes strengthening the skills and capacity of health professionals involved in disease surveillance, laboratory services, emergency response, and public health management. Its strategic framework also recognises the importance of a highly skilled health workforce in creating sustainable and resilient health systems. 7. Promoting digital health and real-time data Disease outbreaks can spread rapidly, making timely information critical. Africa CDC’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda includes digital transformation as one of its five pillars. The objective is to develop a digital intelligence ecosystem capable of supporting real-time data flows from communities to national and continental platforms. Better use of health data can help authorities identify threats, understand how diseases are spreading, and make faster, evidence-based decisions. 8. Strengthening cross-border health security Diseases do not stop at national borders. Movement of people and goods between African countries means that an outbreak in one country can affect neighbouring countries. Africa CDC therefore supports cross-border preparedness and coordination. Its 2026–2030 Continental Immunisation Strategy calls for harmonised cross-border procedures and expanded regional rapid-response and field epidemiology capacities. 9. Fighting misinformation and improving public trust Public health measures can be undermined when people receive false or misleading information about diseases and vaccines. Africa CDC is increasingly integrating community engagement, behavioural intelligence and social listening into its immunisation work. Its 2026–2030 Social and Behaviour Change Immunisation Strategic Framework identifies misinformation, vaccine confidence and community engagement as key issues for stronger immunisation systems. The approach recognises that delivering vaccines alone is not enough; communities also need accurate information and confidence in the health system. 10. Promoting sustainable financing for health security Health security requires reliable funding before, during and after an outbreak. Africa CDC’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda calls for predictable domestic, innovative and blended financing to strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness. The agenda also promotes greater domestic resource mobilisation so African countries can exercise more sustainable control over their health priorities rather than depending heavily on external funding. 📢 ADVERTISEMENT DISCLAIMER: Links above are sponsored posts. The Nation assumes no liability or responsibility for the claims, products, or services offered by third-party advertisers. Proceed with discretion. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline — join now! Join The Nation Channel Get instant breaking news and exclusive updates right on your feed! Subscribe to The Nation Newspaper Telegram channel and never miss a headline. Join The Nation on Telegram