Preparing African institutions for current and future health challenges

Context

The Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030 envisions an integrated, inclusive and prosperous Africa, free from diseases. To achieve this, the African Union (AU) prioritises a robust, African-driven response to health challenges.

Africa’s high disease burden threatens the health of its people and hinders progress towards its transformation goals. Moreover, ongoing and emerging health threats are further exacerbated by political instability, conflicts, and climate change. Therefore, stable and effective African institutions are needed more than ever.

Consequently, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) leads the continent’s response to disease threats and outbreaks, including Ebola and COVID-19. In response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, other continental institutions such as the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) have been established. These organisations support the achievement of the goals of a New Public Health Order, enhancing Africa’s health security.

Objective

Africa CDC and other related continental health institutions are more resilient and better prepared for future health challenges.

Approach

The project systematically enhances the institutional and programmatic capabilities of the three continental institutions Africa CDC, AMA, and APTF in the following areas:

1. The project improves Africa CDC’s organisational development, project management, and partnership management.
2. It encourages cooperation among continental, regional, and national health institutions as well as with civil society.
3. The project supports local pharmaceutical production by developing the institutional and programmatic capabilities of AMA and APTF.
4. It promotes digital health initiatives at Africa CDC and within AU member states.

Last update: July 2024