Africa CDC: Prioritizing Infectious Diseases and Public Health Transformation

Africa CDC's Efforts to Combat Infectious Diseases and Address Non-Communicable and Mental Health Conditions

Introduction: As Africa navigates the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) faces a critical year ahead. Established by the African Union (AU) in 2017 in response to the Ebola epidemic, the Africa CDC has played a pivotal role in managing public health crises on the continent. With the appointment of a new director-general, the organization is now focused on applying the lessons learned from COVID-19 and expanding its mandate to address non-communicable diseases and mental health. This article explores the challenges and priorities of the Africa CDC as it strives to become a self-sustaining and agile institution, while emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing, improved surveillance systems, integrated health systems, expanded laboratory networks, emergency preparedness, and strong national public-health institutes. Body:

Local Manufacturing of Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Treatments

The Africa CDC recognizes the need for local manufacturing of essential health-care tools, including vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments. By coordinating the continental agenda and working with stakeholders, the Africa CDC aims to establish regulatory frameworks, provide financial support to manufacturers, and create a conducive market environment. The organization has partnered with GAVI, the vaccine alliance, to expand regional manufacturing capabilities and ensure a sustainable supply of vaccines.

Improved Surveillance and Early-Warning Systems

To enhance health security on the continent, the Africa CDC has formed a partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin. This collaboration aims to strengthen integrated disease surveillance at the community level, democratize genomic surveillance, and enhance epidemic intelligence. The initial phase will be implemented in several African countries, with a focus on improving surveillance and early detection of infectious diseases.

Integrated Health Systems and Robust Primary Care

Recognizing the critical role of primary care in preventing and managing both infectious and non-communicable diseases, the Africa CDC has secured funding to support primary health-care facilities in rural areas. By improving information technology and empowering community-health workers, the organization aims to strengthen integrated health systems and enable better access to healthcare services, even in resource-limited settings.

Training and Capacity Building

As part of its mission to develop the next generation of public-health leaders, the Africa CDC has allocated significant funding to training programs. Field epidemiologists and public-health leaders from AU member states are being mentored and trained through partnerships with organizations such as the Kofi Annan Foundation. By investing in capacity building, the Africa CDC aims to strengthen the public-health workforce and enhance the continent's response to future health crises.

Expanded Networks of Laboratories

The Africa CDC's Pathogen Genomics Initiative has been instrumental in expanding access to genomic surveillance in Africa. Through training sessions and the provision of sequencing and automation systems, equipment, and reagents, the initiative has empowered AU member states to enhance their laboratory capabilities. This broader access to genomic surveillance enables early detection and monitoring of infectious diseases, contributing to effective response strategies.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

To improve cross-border coordination and response to disease outbreaks, the Africa CDC is leveraging technologies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PanaBIOS system, a transcontinental digital suite and mobile application for monitoring disease outbreaks, will be utilized by 27 African countries. This technology-driven approach enhances emergency preparedness and facilitates timely and effective response efforts.

Strong National Public-Health Institutes

Recognizing the importance of strong national public-health institutes, the Africa CDC is working to bolster these institutions in 20 AU member states. By establishing support teams and emergency operations centers, the organization aims to enhance the capacity of member states to respond to public health emergencies. Additionally, the Africa CDC is collaborating with AU health ministers to develop shared negotiation strategies for global health initiatives, such as the WHO's proposed pandemic treaty and the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage. Conclusion: As Africa emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Africa CDC is at the forefront of efforts to combat infectious diseases, address non-communicable diseases, and promote mental health on the continent. Through initiatives focused on local manufacturing, improved surveillance systems, integrated health systems, expanded laboratory networks, emergency preparedness, and strong national public-health institutes, the Africa CDC aims to transform public health in Africa. Sustained support from African communities, AU member states, donors, and partners is crucial in realizing this vision. With a new approach to public health, Africa is poised to build a resilient and self-sustaining health system that can effectively respond to future health challenges.