African Nations Unite to Combat Endemic Diseases
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 28, 2024 – African Union Member States have endorsed a transformative strategic plan to combat endemic diseases ravaging the African continent. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened a critical workshop in Addis Ababa from November 27-29, 2024, to launch this new strategy, focusing on integrated health systems and tackling major threats like HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
“This workshop is a testament to our collective will to combat these diseases and foster a healthier future for Africa," said Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, opening the meeting.
"We must emerge from this workshop stronger, with renewed commitment and most importantly, concrete strategies to powerfully tackle these challenges."
Delegates from all 55 African Union (AU) Member States gathered to review and endorse the Africa CDC’s 2024–2027 blueprint.
This plan represents a pan-African push to tackle the continent’s most urgent health concerns by integrating prevention and control strategies directly into national healthcare systems.
Africa bears a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of associated deaths. The continent also carries 40% of the global burden of neglected tropical diseases.
“We need to change this narrative," Dr. Kaseya stressed. "We must intensify our efforts to find lasting solutions for the control and eventual elimination of these diseases."
The workshop focused on key objectives:
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Validating Strategic Priorities: Participants engaged in thorough discussions to solidify the strategic priorities for disease prevention and control efforts across HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, hepatitis, and NTDs.
- Strengthening Partnerships:
Delegates focused on engaging stakeholders to forge robust multisectoral collaboration.
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Developing a Comprehensive Implementation Plan: The workshop culminated in the development of an intricate implementation plan with clear monitoring and evaluation indicators to ensure effective tracking of progress.
- Fostering Sustainable Partnerships: Strengthening long-term health systems was a key focus, with discussions centering on establishing sustainable partnerships for overall health system strengthening across Africa.
This initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa CDC’s "New Public Health Order", which fosters an increased focus on self-reliance in securing health free from infectious diseases for all Africans.
Beyond expert contributions, political leadership plays a critical role in driving progress. AU Champions have been appointed to lead crucial initiatives:
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Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) – Champion for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
- Mr. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria – Champion for Health Workforce and Community Development.
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Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia – Champion for Cholera Elimination.
- Mr. William Ruto, President of Kenya – Champion for Local Manufacturing.
The workshop yielded a validated strategic priorities document and a detailed costed implementation plan.
"The involvement of Member States is transformative," said Dr. Kaseya
"Together, with this commitment, we pave the way for more effective health responses across Africa, and build a stronger, better future for generations to come.”
Subsequently, the Africa CDC, independent from the AU, works directly with member countries, and in collaboration with partners, to support cases of disease outbreaks and improve the continent’s overall health security.
What are the key partnerships mentioned that are important for the success of the Africa CDC’s plan?
## Interview: Africa Fights Back Against Endemic Diseases
**Host:** Welcome back. Today, we’re discussing a crucial development in the fight against endemic diseases in Africa. Joining us is Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on global health and infectious diseases. Dr. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive in. Recent news reports highlight a groundbreaking strategic plan endorsed by African Union member states to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Can you elaborate on the significance of this plan?
**Guest:** Absolutely. This plan represents a major step forward in Africa’s public health landscape. As detailed in a recent article [1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa_Centres_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention), the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has been instrumental in coordinating this effort. The emphasis on integrating prevention and control strategies into national healthcare systems is particularly important.
**Host:** The article mentions that Africa disproportionately bears the burden of these diseases. How does this plan address that disparity?
**Guest:** Exactly. Africa faces a heavy burden of infectious diseases, accounting for a staggering 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of related deaths. The continent also carries 40% of the global burden of neglected tropical diseases.
This new strategy aims to tackle this by fostering a pan-African strategic approach, encouraging collaboration between countries and leveraging each nation’s unique strengths.
**Host:** The press release mentions key objectives like strengthening partnerships and developing robust implementation plans. How crucial are these aspects to the plan’s success?
**Guest:** Vital. This plan recognizes that eradicating these diseases requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening partnerships, both within Africa and internationally, is essential for securing resources, sharing knowledge and expertise. A comprehensive implementation plan with clear monitoring and evaluation metrics will ensure that progress is tracked and resources are used efficiently.
**Host:** What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the implementation of this plan?
**Guest:** One challenge will be ensuring widespread access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be limited.
Another challenge is sustained financial support. While this plan is a testament to Africas commitment, continued investment from global partners is necessary to realize its full potential.
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for sharing your insights on this critical public health initiative. This represents a beacon of hope for millions across the continent striving for a healthier future. For our viewers wanting to learn more, where can they find additional information?
**Guest:** For more details on the Africa CDC and their work, I recommend visiting their website and exploring the resources available.
**Host:** Thank you for your time, Dr. [Guest Name].
**(End of Interview)**