The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled an ambitious new strategy to tackle endemic diseases across the continent. This landmark initiative addresses HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), marking a transformative step towards improving public health in Africa.
The strategy was endorsed by over 50 member states during a workshop held from November 27–29, 2024, in Addis Ababa. The collaborative gathering brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to refine and finalize the approach, which integrates health system strengthening with disease control efforts.
Running through 2027, the plan aligns with Africa CDC’s broader goals of achieving disease elimination targets by 2030. It prioritizes service delivery, research, and resource mobilisation, recognizing the need to bridge gaps in access to healthcare services and infrastructure.
Africa faces an outsized share of the global infectious disease burden. The continent accounts for 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths worldwide. Additionally, 40% of the global burden of NTDs is concentrated in Africa, with every country on the continent battling at least one endemic NTD. These diseases not only threaten public health but also impede economic progress, highlighting the urgency of Africa CDC’s new strategy.
The strategy is grounded in a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare. By embedding prevention and treatment of major diseases into routine healthcare services, Africa CDC aims to create sustainable healthcare systems that leave no one behind. This includes addressing barriers such as financial constraints and geographic inaccessibility, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Dr. Clarer Mwansasu, Programme Manager for the Neglected Tropical Disease Control Programme at Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of integration:
“Integrating these interventions into primary healthcare systems will ensure that these diseases are managed alongside other critical health needs.”
A significant aspect of the strategy is the development of national frameworks to enhance disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment. Strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers is pivotal, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the diverse challenges posed by endemic diseases.
Participants at the workshop also highlighted the importance of research. Africa CDC has introduced a research framework tailored to the continent’s unique context. By basing strategies on local data and realities, the initiative seeks to ensure that interventions are both relevant and effective.
Another cornerstone of the strategy is sustainable funding. Dr. Joseph Opare, NTD Programme Lead at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, stressed the need for African nations to take ownership of their health programs:
“We must own our health programs, and that means mobilising domestic resources and ensuring that these programs are sustainable from within Africa itself.”
To achieve this, the strategy calls for innovative funding models and increased investment from domestic and international stakeholders.
The new strategy signals a unified commitment by African nations to address the continent’s most pressing health challenges. By prioritizing integration, capacity building, research, and sustainability, the Africa CDC and its partners aim to create a future where endemic diseases no longer define Africa’s health landscape.
This bold and forward-thinking approach has the potential to not only save millions of lives but also enhance economic productivity and quality of life across the continent. With the collective efforts of member states and the support of global partners, Africa is taking a decisive step toward a healthier and more equitable future.
