Latest news with #JeanKaseya
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and European Commission Launch New Initiative to Strengthen Mpox Testing and Sequencing Across Africa
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the European Commission today announced the launch of the Partnership to Accelerate Mpox Testing and Sequencing in Africa (PAMTA), a landmark initiative to boost diagnostics and outbreak response capabilities in Mpox-affected African countries. Co-funded under the EU4Health 2024 Work Programme, PAMTA reflects the growing momentum of Africa–EU health cooperation and aims to reinforce the continent's resilience against current and future health threats. The initiative will accelerate testing, sequencing, capacity building, and local manufacturing efforts for mpox and other priority pathogens across Africa through a €9.4 million to Africa CDC and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). The project officially began on 1 June 2025 and will be implemented over three years. Africa CDC Director General, H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, welcomed the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention to close the diagnostic gap for Mpox and other outbreaks in Africa. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to working with trusted partners to build agile and self-reliant public health systems across Africa. Together with the EU and our technical partners, we are setting a new benchmark for outbreak detection and response.' The PAMTA initiative focuses on four key objectives: scaling up Mpox testing with the goal of supporting over 150,000 tests across the continent; strengthening genomic sequencing capacity to track viral evolution and spread; building human resource capacity in molecular diagnostics, genomics, bioinformatics and data interpretation; and promoting the production and validation of locally developed testing kits within Africa. 'PAMTA marks a historic milestone as the first initiative jointly signed between the European Commission and Africa CDC,' said Deputy Head of DG HERA, Laurent Muschel. 'Building on HERA's earlier donation of Mpox vaccines, this action enables a critical next step: strengthening diagnostic capacities as part of a broader medical countermeasures approach. It reflects our shared commitment to reinforcing epidemic preparedness across Africa — from vaccines to diagnostics, from innovation to manufacturing. This action shows that, together, the African Union and the European Union can deliver tangible results to protect lives.' The launch of PAMTA builds on broader efforts by the EU and its partners to address the Mpox outbreak. By mid-2025, more than 600,000 vaccine doses had been delivered to African countries through HERA and Team Europe. Simultaneously, research initiatives such as MPX-RESPONSE and EDCTP3 continue to explore new therapeutic options, while the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (PGI)—also funded through EU4Health—is enhancing public health laboratory networks and genomic surveillance across the continent through public private partnerships. PAMTA marks a significant milestone in EU–Africa collaboration for health resilience. By supporting comprehensive diagnostics and fostering local innovation, the initiative is helping to lay a strong foundation for Africa's long-term pandemic preparedness and response capabilities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Southern Africa Leaders Unite to Advance Bold Health Agenda for Resilience and Equity
Ministers of Health and senior representatives from ten African Union (AU) Member States in Southern Africa issued a renewed call for collective action on health financing, climate resilience, and outbreak preparedness as they gathered in Lilongwe from 24–25 July 2025 for the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) Meeting. The Government of Malawi hosted the meeting, which was officially opened by Hon. Khumbize Chiponda, Malawi's Minister of Health, representing the Right Honourable Vice President, Dr. Michael Biswick Usi. The meeting was convened under the theme 'One Region, One Health, One Future,' reaffirming the region's collective commitment to protecting the health of its people. ReSCO has become a vital platform for countries to align regional priorities and advance the continental health agenda, at a time when Southern Africa faces rising climate-related health threats, persistent disease outbreaks, and growing demands on frontline health systems. In his keynote address, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), called for transformative investments to secure Africa's health future. 'Africa's health future must be shaped by African leaders, for African people,' said Dr Kaseya. 'To get there, we must ignite a revolution in health financing, one that invests in regional institutions, accelerates local manufacturing, and ensures sustainable systems that serve our communities.' Over the course of the two-day deliberations, ministers resoundingly affirmed the urgency of collective leadership and regional unity in advancing health security. Opening the meeting, Hon. Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, issued a powerful call for solidarity, urging Member States to act with resolve in confronting shared public health challenges. Reinforcing this message, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia and Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board, reminded delegates that 'One Region, One Health, One Future' is not merely a thematic expression, it is a strategic imperative that must drive coordinated action across the continent. The Committee adopted several major outcomes that will shape the region's health trajectory. These included the appointment of Hon. Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora as Regional Champion for Climate and Health, acknowledging the urgent link between environmental factors and public health threats. Hon. Dr Luvindao was also named Regional Champion for the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, reinforcing the region's drive to increase domestic investment in health. Member States also approved the Southern Africa Region Annual Report and endorsed major recommendations from the 8th Ordinary and 9th Extraordinary Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC) meetings. These included practical guidance on the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) and improved community-based outbreak surveillance. The Committee further adopted Africa CDC's 'Green Book' vision, a continent-wide pact aimed at rethinking health financing, governance, and service delivery. A key highlight of the meeting was the Southern Africa ReSCO Award Ceremony, which honoured visionary leaders for their outstanding contributions to strengthening public health across the region. Dr Kaseya was recognised for his exceptional leadership at the continental level. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, and Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo, former Minister of Health of Zambia, were celebrated for their enduring public service and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration. Dr Lul P. Riek, Regional Director of the Southern Africa RCC, received special commendation for his instrumental role in operationalising the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre and advancing regional public health coordination. These recognitions highlighted a central theme of the meeting: that real progress depends not just on frameworks and funding, but on the commitment, leadership, and unity of those entrusted with protecting the health of communities. As the meeting concluded, Member States reaffirmed their resolve to scale up implementation of the African Union's 2 Million Community Health Workers Initiative, advance the Lusaka Agenda on Health Financing, and strengthen regional public health systems. With renewed solidarity and political will, Southern African countries are poised to turn commitments into action. The outcomes of the 4th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting mark a decisive shift, from dialogue to delivery. Africa CDC calls on all stakeholders, governments, and partners to act with urgency: invest in frontline capacity, empower health workers, and build resilient systems that leave no community behind. Namibia was selected as the host of the 5th Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in 2026. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Daily Maverick
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Restructuring global health – WHO faces major challenges as foreign aid reductions take toll
While the immediate effects of the US cuts in health aid are being felt primarily by the Global South, the associated risks extend worldwide. Last week, global leaders gathered for the World Health Assembly in Geneva to address the reality that the global health landscape is being reshaped by dramatic shifts in funding, priorities, and leadership. Chief among these is the United States' decision to slash foreign aid and withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite spending only 0.24% of its gross national income on foreign aid, the United States has been the largest donor to global health programmes, providing one-third of the international assistance in global health. This is not just a US issue – other countries have also signalled reductions in foreign health aid, and Argentina also recently announced it will withdraw from the WHO. These dramatic shifts have forced the WHO to plan a reduction in staff by nearly 50%, triggering massive restructuring. Non-government organisations (NGOs) are laying off large numbers of staff worldwide. While other donors and philanthropies are stepping in, they cannot fill the void alone. Meanwhile, the shock to the system is already resulting in lives lost. According to the WHO, countries such as Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso and Nigeria may run out of HIV antiretroviral medications within months. The Africa CDC's director-general, Dr Jean Kaseya, warned in March that 'two to four million additional Africans are likely to die annually' as a result of the aid cuts. T The continent now faces a $12-billion shortfall in healthcare financing. Substantial impacts will be felt across the globe, from Afghanistan to Lao PDR, in many low- and middle-income countries. While the immediate effects of these cuts are being felt primarily by the Global South, the associated risks extend globally. When countries become overwhelmed by preventable infections, they will lose the ability to detect and contain pathogens with epidemic potential that could cross borders in days. The current situation carries serious implications for global security as well as health. A new era needs to begin with a roadmap for sustainable domestic funding by individual nations, a strategic view of the role of WHO, and a coordinated plan among major donors. Governments must take the lead in reshaping their health budgets to reflect urgent needs while navigating competing priorities. Donors, NGOs, and multilaterals can support this shift if they embrace flexible, trust-based funding models tailored to local strategies. African health financing The desire to create long-term sustainability is apparent in the Africa CDC's strategic plan to transform health financing, which focuses on domestic resource mobilisation, diversifying funding sources, optimising health fund management and using evidence-based data for efficient resource allocation. The plan calls for member countries to meet the Abuja Declaration target of spending at least 15% of national budgets on health and explores innovative ideas such as solidarity levies and mobilising Africa's $95-billion in annual diaspora remittances. Nigeria's Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which dedicates 1% of revenue (about $150-million annually) to primary care, is a promising example. Any effort to reform global health infrastructure must prioritise resilient, widely accessible primary healthcare. Since the Alma-Ata declaration of 1978, we've known that primary care is the foundation of 'Health for All'. Doing so will not only reduce the impact of chronic and endemic infectious diseases, but also serve to enable systems that quickly identify when infectious disease outbreaks of concern appear. As the WHO recalibrates, it must assess realistically the current situation and focus on its most important core functions for the future: setting global standards, responding to emergencies and coordinating transnational responses. Routine programme implementation should be handled by individual countries, NGOs, and the private sector. The WHO can no longer afford to take on the management of basic health functions within countries. Instead, it needs to focus on maintaining surge capacity to meet needs during health emergencies and facilitate cooperation in transboundary issues. The WHO needs to prioritise doing fewer things better. Now is also the time for new global coalitions, agreements and leadership among non-government actors. The Gates Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to address emerging challenges. Philanthropies must align their efforts to successfully cooperate, identify priorities and gaps, reduce duplication and maximise impact. Meanwhile, the private sector has a vital role to play in connecting national health priorities to new markets, innovations and partnerships. Global health needs a multisector coalition of the willing right now that is felicitous, innovative, able to learn from past mistakes and adapt to meet the world's current needs and prevent future crises. The time for action is now – the consequences of inaction are too great, and the lives lost are both predictable and preventable. DM Mitchell Wolfe is Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic Studies, Washington, DC; Nahid Bhadelia is Associate Professor at the Boston University School of Medicine; and Wilmot James is Professor and Strategic Advisor to the Pandemic Center at Brown University's School of Public Health and a former Member of Parliament (South Africa).
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Warns: Millions of African Children Still Lack Access to Life-Saving Vaccines
Despite the proven power of vaccines to save lives, over 500,000 children under five in Africa continue to die each year from preventable diseases, including measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough—diseases that have been nearly eradicated in much of the world. Providing effective protection against these illnesses should be straightforward, yet across the continent, vaccination remains out of reach for millions. Limited domestic health funding, low trust in vaccines, political instability, and the challenge of accessing remote communities all contribute to the problem. In 2023, just 16 African countries achieved over 90% coverage for essential childhood vaccines, including the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), and the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV1). As a result, millions of children remain vulnerable to preventable diseases. A vial of measles vaccine, for instance, costs only USD 2.85. Yet since 2018, 28 African countries have experienced large, disruptive measles outbreaks. The number of 'zero-dose' children—those who have received no vaccines at all—rose to 7.9 million in 2023, a 16% increase from 2019. These numbers reflect the long-lasting impact of COVID-19, inequities in health access, and system-wide fragilities. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan continue to report high mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases due to inconsistent coverage. Recent outbreaks in Somalia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and ongoing cases of diphtheria and pertussis in Chad and Nigeria highlight the scale of the challenge. Vaccine-preventable diseases cost African countries an estimated USD 13 billion annually, placing additional strain on overstretched health systems and slowing economic progress. Yet immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective health investments, with a return on investment of up to 37 times the cost. Africa CDC, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, PATH, and other partners, is advancing the Continental Immunisation Strategy. Guided by the Addis Declaration on Immunisation and aligned with the Immunisation Agenda 2030, this strategy is building a unified, resilient, and equitable immunisation system across the continent. 'Africa currently produces less than 1% of the vaccines it uses. This is a challenge we are committed to changing,' said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. 'Our goal is to manufacture 60% of vaccines used in Africa locally by 2040.' In 2024 alone, 25 vaccine manufacturing projects were underway on the continent, with eight antigens expected to be WHO prequalified and market-ready between 2025 and 2030. Africa CDC continues to strengthen cold chain systems, train health workers, improve data and pharmacovigilance, and mobilise vaccines for emergencies such as COVID-19 and mpox. It is also leading efforts to boost domestic resource mobilisation and develop innovative financing approaches to close persistent immunisation gaps. Africa Vaccination Week is a timely reminder that while the challenges are immense, the solutions are within reach. With renewed investment, strong political will, and regional coordination, Africa can protect its children and build a healthier, more resilient future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Africa needs innovative financing solutions to prevent health systems from collapsing, say experts
African health care leaders said innovative financing solutions will be essential to prevent the collapse of health systems on the continent, with the departure of donor aid funding creating a more important role for startups and public-private investments. The abrupt withdrawal of USAID funding earlier this year, following a trend of cutbacks from other Western nations, has left a nearly $12 billion shortfall in financing critical services such as maternal and child health, HIV treatment, pandemic preparedness, and disease control. Last week the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) outlined urgent reforms to secure sustainable funding, focusing on domestic financing, health taxes, and public-private investments to close infrastructure gaps. 'If we do not act now, we risk losing 20 years of progress in health security, with preventable diseases returning in force and overwhelming already fragile systems,' said Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Nairobi-based nonprofit Amref Health Africa, told Semafor that Africa faced a health care funding gap of roughly $66 billion a year even before accounting for the USAID cuts. 'Traditional funding sources like foreign aid and out-of-pocket payments simply aren't enough. That's why innovative financing models are essential,' he said. Gitahi pointed to several 'promising approaches' including Rwanda's health insurance program, which covers more than 90% of the population by combining affordable premiums with government subsidies. Another example, he said, is the 'sin taxes' imposed on alcohol, cigarettes, and sugary drinks in South Africa and Botswana, which are generating millions for health care while addressing the growing burden of lifestyle diseases. The urgency of Africa's health financing crisis was highlighted at last month's Africa Health Agenda International Conference in Kigali where experts said governments needed to diversify funding strategies to reduce their reliance on external aid. In a recent briefing, the Center for Global Development also wrote that 'innovative partnerships' with the private sector were a key part of the solution, pointing to pharmaceutical manufacturing as a prominent example. Last year the vaccine alliance GAVI launched the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financing instrument that will make up to $1.2 billion available over 10 years to support local vaccine production. Afreximbank also committed $2 billion to this push toward vaccine sovereignty. Frederik Kristensen, head of the Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative, an initiative set up to help potential manufacturers find funders, said it was a crucial time to help Africa become less reliant on imports after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed stark global vaccine inequalities. 'It's really important in terms of health security,' he told Semafor, 'if there is an outbreak that there are vaccine manufacturers on the continent which can switch to producing vaccines that will be needed.' At present South Africa and Senegal are the only countries with end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capacities in Africa. Around nine priority vaccines have been identified for local production by 2030 including those targeting cholera, measles-rubella, and yellow fever. A key hurdle for the sector is ensuring sustainable and long-term demand for the vaccines. But with 'political will' to drive-through policies and regulations for manufacturers, this can be achieved, Kristensen said. EASE South Africa, an equipment business set up by the African Asset Finance Company, on Monday secured funding from Standard Bank, Africa's largest bank by assets, to expand its pay-per-use model to provide hospitals and clinics with access to high-end diagnostic machines such as MRI scanners. 'What it means is that [health care providers] don't have to make a big upfront capital investment,' said Kanyinsola Oyeyinka, senior vice-president at EASE. Such costs can be a barrier to accessing the latest technology and so the model could 'free up' money for other priorities such as hiring more nurses or increasing hospital beds. 'We will own the equipment, but they will have full access to using it to provide care to the patients.' Standard Bank will invest about $100 million into EASE, which has already applied the model in Ghana and Nigeria, over the next seven years. John van Kan, head of the bank's healthcare sector, told Semafor that the equipment aimed to help more patients in 'outlying areas' access the care they need. A da Vinci surgical robot installed by EASE last year, for instance, at a hospital in the coastal town of Umhlanga will be used to help surgeons perform procedures with reduced recovery time. Another startup that has been leading health innovation in the supply chain space, is Zipline, a US firm that uses autonomous drones to deliver drugs, vaccines, and other medical goods to remote clinics in countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda. A study published last month analyzing health care data from 191 Ghanaian health facilities found a direct link between reliable medical supply availability and improved health system use, leading to a 56% reduction in maternal deaths at facilities served by Zipline compared to those that were not. Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are vital for African health care, a global health expert writes in The Conversation.
