The launch of this initiative took place during a key workshop held in Addis Ababa from November 27 to 29, 2024.
The strategy focuses on strengthening integrated health systems, with a special emphasis on the prevention and control of major health threats like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
In his opening speech, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed the significance of the event, stating, "It is indeed an honour 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."
Delegates from all 55 African Union Member States gathered at the workshop, where they reviewed and endorsed the Africa CDC's blueprint for 2024â€"2027.
This plan is not only a reflection of the continent's commitment to addressing urgent health concerns but also aims to integrate prevention and control strategies into the national health systems of all African countries.
The challenges in Africa are severe, with infectious diseases continuing to have a disproportionate impact. The continent accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths.
Moreover, it carries 40% of the world's burden of NTDs, with every African country facing at least one endemic NTD. Despite this, the region faces significant barriers to progress, including underfunding, weak health systems, limited research, and poor access to treatment.
Dr. Kaseya, addressing these challenges, called for a unified effort to change the current health narrative in Africa. "We need to brace up to change this narrative by intensifying our efforts to find lasting solutions for the control and eventual elimination of these diseases," he said, reinforcing the need for urgency and commitment in the battle against these widespread health threats.
The workshop focused on several key objectives, including validating strategic priorities for disease prevention and control across HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, hepatitis, and NTDs. It also aimed to engage stakeholders to strengthen multisectoral collaboration and finalize a detailed implementation plan, complete with clear monitoring and evaluation indicators.
Another crucial element discussed was the establishment of sustainable partnerships to support long-term health system strengthening across the continent.
This initiative aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Africa CDC's "New Public Health Order," which emphasizes boosting Africa's self-reliance in health security.
Political leadership will play a critical role in driving these efforts forward, and several African leaders have taken on specific health-related initiatives.
Among them are Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who will serve as the Champion for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, Champion for Health Workforce and Community Development; Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Champion for Cholera Elimination; and William Ruto of Kenya, Champion for Local Manufacturing.
As the workshop came to a close, delegates produced a validated strategic priorities document and a costed implementation plan, which will serve as a roadmap for improving health responses across Africa.
Dr. Kaseya remarked on the transformative role of Member States in this endeavor, stating, "The involvement of Member States is transformative. Together, we will create a more resilient, integrated, and inclusive health future for Africa."
This strategic blueprint represents a critical step toward tackling the health challenges that have long plagued the continent, with the Africa CDC leading the charge for a healthier and more resilient Africa.
Théophile Niyitegeka
