As of 14 November 2025, Marburg virus disease (MVD) has been confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory.Further epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses are underway, and the virus strain detected shows similarities to those previously identified in East Africa.

The initial alert of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever was shared with Africa CDC on 12 November 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Health, EPHI, and regional health authorities have activated response measures, including enhanced surveillance, field investigations, strengthened infection prevention and control, and community engagement efforts. Africa CDC commends their swift action and transparent communication, which have enabled early confirmation and containment efforts.

Africa CDC has been a long-standing partner of EPHI in strengthening Ethiopia’s molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance capacity — critical capabilities that were immediately deployed in response to this outbreak. Through this collaboration, Africa CDC has provided genome-sequencing equipment, sequencing reagents, PCR detection kits (including Marburg-specific assays), and extensive training for laboratory personnel in genome sequencing, bioinformatics, biosafety, PPE use, and safe sample handling.

The core genomics facility at EPHI has been strengthened by Africa CDC, together with partners such as the Global Fund, WHO and the UK Health Security Agency, supporting rapid laboratory confirmation and enhancing Ethiopia’s overall outbreak readiness.

As a leading Ethiopian research institution, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) has also seen its research and genomics capacity significantly strengthened through Africa CDC’s support, including the provision of equipment, reagents and targeted training. AHRI is therefore well positioned to play a central role during this Marburg outbreak. This response presents a unique opportunity not only to improve care for affected communities but also to generate critical innovations in Marburg prevention, diagnostics and treatment.

To further strengthen coordination, Africa CDC and the Ministry of Health will integrate Marburg virus response efforts with ongoing mpox preparedness and surveillance. This joint approach is designed to optimise resources, accelerate early detection and reduce the risk of regional spread.

Africa CDC Director-General, H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, will meet with the Minister of Health of Ethiopia to assess additional support needs and reinforce cross-border readiness with neighbouring countries. Africa CDC will continue to work closely with the Government of Ethiopia and partners to ensure a rapid, coordinated and effective response.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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About the Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Media Contacts

Margaret Edwin

Director of Communication and Public Information

EdwinM@africacdc.org

The post Africa CDC Statement on Confirmed Marburg Virus Disease in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia appeared first on Africa CDC.

This initiative, which follows recurring malaria outbreaks in the southern region, will be conducted from 14 November to 12 December 2025, and aims to strengthen Member States’ efforts to control and eliminate malaria.

“The operational research aims to generate evidence-based data to enhance malaria control and elimination strategies in Southern Africa, where many live in endemic areas,” said Dr Lul Pout Riek, Director of the Southern Africa Regional Co-ordinating Centre (SA-RCC). “By tailoring interventions to local needs, the study seeks to optimise responses, improve outbreak management, and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality across the continent.”

The study will also assess the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of different larvicide types and integrated vector control strategies.

“Researchers from the Africa CDC Science and Innovation Directorate, Southern RCC, national health ministries, public health institutes and academia will employ advanced analytical methods — including vector bionomics, mathematical modelling and simulation — to better understand malaria dynamics,” said Dr Mosoka Papa Fallah, Acting Director of the Science and Innovation Directorate at Africa CDC.

The research further seeks to identify bottlenecks in malaria healthcare delivery, particularly access to care during epidemic periods, to strengthen prevention and outbreak control in Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Three Member States were selected based on researchable areas offering scalable solutions and the existence of in-country research protocols aligned with Africa CDC’s criteria.

“In Lesotho, we have reported localised outbreaks and increased vulnerability in certain districts. We aim to understand the entomological profile of malaria to inform our national elimination strategies,” said Mr Khotso Mahomo, International Health Regulations Manager at Lesotho’s Ministry of Health.

In Namibia, the Ministry of Health and Social Services reported 5,898 confirmed malaria cases between December 2024 and January 2025, including 840 hospitalisations and 28 deaths. Of these, 3,493 were locally transmitted and 2,496 were imported.

“This research will help identify emerging drivers of transmission and social determinants of severe disease,” said Dr Iyaloo Mwaningange, Deputy Director of the Epidemiology Division, Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia. “It will also highlight operational challenges encountered during outbreak response and inform targeted interventions.”

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, reported a 180% surge in cumulative malaria cases between Week 1 and Week 17 of 2025 — rising from 21,309 cases in 2024 to 59,647 in 2025. Malaria-related deaths increased by 218%, from 45 in 2024 to 143 in 2025, with Mashonaland Central, Manicaland and Mashonaland West accounting for over 80% of cases.

“This operational research will generate actionable evidence for optimising vector control operations, updating policy, reinforcing health system delivery, and informing cross-border initiatives,” said Professor Nicholas Midzi, Director of the National Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe.

The study will also evaluate integrated indoor residual spraying and antimalarial mass treatment strategies, as well as supply-chain effectiveness and the roles of community health workers, to inform future policy and decision-making.

The research is expected to yield evidence-based recommendations to strengthen malaria surveillance, outbreak response and case management, while enhancing regional capacity for malaria elimination in the three countries.

“Africa CDC remains committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to control and eliminate malaria. This operational research is a key step towards generating evidence-based solutions to end malaria in Southern Africa,” the statement concluded.

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NOTE TO EDITORS

For media inquiries

Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC  Edwinm@africacdc.org

About Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. 
Learn more at: Africa CDC and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

The post Africa CDC Launches Operational Research on Malaria in Southern Africa appeared first on Africa CDC.

On 12 November 2025, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) notified Africa CDC of eight suspected cases, with clinical samples collected and submitted to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing. As investigations continue, no confirmed aetiology has yet been established.

From London where he was on official mission, the Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya had a call the same day with the Ethiopian Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba to congratulate her for early detection and the transparency that characterized Ethiopia when there is a public health event, and to extend the support from Africa CDC and the entire continent to quickly contain that.

During the Africa CDC Weekly Press Briefing on Health Emergencies held on 13 November 2025, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, highlighted this event and briefed Member States on preliminary information and response readiness.

The Africa CDC in-country team continues to engage closely with national authorities and provide technical support. Africa CDC will continue working with the Government of Ethiopia and partners and will issue timely updates as more information becomes available and laboratory results are confirmed, and additional assistance will be mobilised as required

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About the Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Media Contacts

Margaret Edwin

Director of Communication and Public Information EdwinM@africacdc.org

The post Africa CDC Statement on Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia appeared first on Africa CDC.

Dr Merawi Aragaw, Head of the Division for Surveillance and Disease Intelligence at Africa CDC, commended progress achieved under the first AU AMR Framework but underscored persistent gaps in financing and implementation, speaking at the recent continental consultation held from 27–29 October 2025.

He noted that while nearly 47 countries have developed national AMR action plans, “most of the time these are not funded,” and urged governments to “own it” by embedding AMR within domestic budgets and systems rather than relying on aid cycles.

Organisers outlined the next steps towards finalising the new strategy. Africa CDC is targeting an April 2026 launch of the framework, ahead of the Global Ministerial Meeting on AMR scheduled for June 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria. Inputs from this consultation will also be translated into additional AU languages to broaden expert review and enhance participation from youth and civil society.

The meeting combined stock-taking with forward planning, revisiting the AU’s five strategic focus areas: surveillance and laboratory capacity; stewardship and access to countermeasures; infection prevention and control; governance, leadership and financing; and advocacy and behaviour change.

Speakers from AU-IBAR, Africa CDC, the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) and AMREF Health Africa called for stronger One Health coordination across human, animal, plant and environmental health sectors. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that stewardship efforts reach farms, markets and clinics.

“The next five years must be about scale and ownership of AMR,” said Dr Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba, Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, as she moderated a session on transforming AMR financing and strengthening coordination amid global funding shifts.

“AMR is no longer the silent pandemic but a critical factor threatening to reverse gains made across health programmes if nothing is done,” said Jackline Kiarie, Director of Programmes at AMREF Health Africa. “It is crucial that we keep the AMR agenda at the centre, even as external funding declines.”

A high-level financing panel comprising representatives from ECSA Health Community, AMREF, ICARS, Africa CDC and the World Bank developed a set of recommendations to sustain the fight against AMR. Governments were urged to introduce explicit AMR budget lines in upcoming fiscal cycles and integrate them into Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks. They were also encouraged to strengthen national One Health AMR platforms with private-sector participation and publish quarterly AMR scorecards tracking spending, coverage, quality and impact.

Regulatory roadmaps covering market authorisation and post-market surveillance should be issued within six months, and countries were encouraged to adopt strategic purchasing to reward measurable results such as reduced infections, appropriate antimicrobial use and shorter hospital stays.

Panellists cautioned against launching new, short-term “catalytic funds” that fade with grant cycles. Instead, they called on partners and development finance institutions to align with nationally owned roadmaps, co-finance joint programmes with outcome-based tranches, and invest in interoperable data systems and analytical capacity that strengthen investment cases.

Dr Aragaw also pointed to new opportunities for the continent.

“Since the early months of COVID-19, the continent has expanded from just two countries capable of sequencing to around 41 countries,” he said. “This opens doors for genomics-enabled surveillance against AMR threats.”

He encouraged delegates to leverage advances in data, mobile technology and AI-assisted tools while maintaining vigilance on biosafety and biosecurity risks in fragile settings.

Throughout the week, Africa CDC officials reiterated that the updated framework must be sharper, more delivery-focused and results-driven than its predecessor — equipping governments to delay the emergence of resistance, limit transmission, and ensure equitable access to quality antimicrobials, diagnostics and vaccines.

As proceedings concluded, the message was clear: the first framework provided a blueprint; the sequel must deliver results. With an April 2026 launch on the horizon and interim milestones already defined, Africa’s AMR community will now be measured by its ability to translate continental momentum into funded national programmes, functional One Health governance, and visible improvements in patient safety and productivity.

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AboutAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

For more information and media inquiries:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC EdwinM@africacdc.org

The post Africa CDC Pushes for Country-Level Action in Version 2.0 of the African Union Framework for AMR (2026–2030) appeared first on Africa CDC.

Wednesday, November 5 – Pretoria, South Africa.

Today, guided by the principles of equity, security, and resilience, African and European delegates reaffirm their wide-ranging partnership on health as part of their annual high-level steering meeting, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation ahead of the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola (November 24-25, 2025) and marking the next phase in the broader 25-year AU-EU collaboration (#AUEU25).

The high-level steering meeting on the AU-EU Health Partnership brings together key continental, regional, and national stakeholders, including an expected 30 delegates representing 15 countries and 11 continental institutions. The meeting is hosted by South Africa’s Ministry of Health at the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Pretoria and is co-chaired by H.E. Amma Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the African Union Commission; H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; Mr. Martin Seychell, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission; and Ms. Heidy Rombouts, Director-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation.

“The AU-EU Health Partnership is more than a collaboration; it is a shared commitment to health security and health sovereignty,” states Dr. Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC Director General. “Health sovereignty means a reformed global health architecture that centers countries and recognizes regional entities, sustainable health financing, data sovereignty, African manufacturing of health products, and of course, strong pandemic preparedness and response systems. Together, we can make this a reality.”

The overarching objectives of today’s meeting are ensuring strategic alignment, informing and building consensus on health priorities and identifying areas of convergence around global health architecture and health financing. Specifically, Africa and Europe reaffirm their commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage through sustainable, country-led health financing and building on Africa’s leadership, the joint roadmap set by the Lusaka Agenda, the Seville Financing for Development Conference, the “Accra reset,” and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. Together, both continents are charting a new era of global health diplomacy — one that strengthens domestic investment, promotes equity, and ensures resilient health systems for all.

“Health is central to the ambitions of Africans and Europeans,” states H.E. Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the African Union. “Ahead of the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, we share the commitment to keep health high on the global agenda in alignment with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. No one is healthy unless everyone is healthy. The European Union will continue to be a reliable partner to Africa, also in this domain.”

Since 2021, Africa and Europe have accelerated their partnership on health through five interconnected thematic areas: manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies (MAV+); sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); sustainable health security using a “One Health” approach (HSOH); digital health for health systems strengthening and universal health coverage (DH); and support for public health institutes (PHI). This work builds on the trusted clinical research partnership between Africa and Europe (Global Health EDCTP3) that has been running since 2004. The multilateral and mutually beneficial approach to tackling health issues is delivering results, including stronger regulatory systems at the continental and national levels and the delivery of Team Europe donations of mpox vaccine doses to address the outbreak in Africa. Together, the two continents are working to ensure that all Africans can access safe, effective, and affordable medicines and vaccines quickly. (See Annex 2 for more examples of achievements so far.)

Looking ahead, delegates foresee a number of potential key milestones in the cross-continental partnership related to global health diplomacy, strengthening the collaboration, and joint coordination of key initiatives, including:

• Launching additional twinning between African and European public health institutions, including collaboration between continental disease control institutions for wastewater surveillance at airports and ports in Africa (Africa CDC-DG HERA), starting the 2nd phase of the ECDC-Africa CDC partnership, and building on the partnership between the continental regulatory agencies (AMA-EMA)
• Launching a new program with Africa CDC to support capacities for prevention, detection, and control of AMR and development of a “One Health” workforce
• Increasing digitization of primary health care in four additional countries and launching a regional program for public health institutes in 10 countries
• Kicking off continental and regional pooled procurement of medicines and vaccines, including a focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities, through the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) and Regional Economic Communities
• Supporting African manufacturers in receiving the first African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) payments for locally produced vaccines
• Convening the Pharmaceutical and Pricing Reimbursement Information Network in Africa (PPRI Africa) to bring together public authorities in Europe and Africa to learn about pricing and reimbursement policies and to benchmark implemented mechanisms
• Implementing harmonized sub-regional SRHR scorecards for the regional economic communities EAC, SADC, and ECOWAS/WAHO to track services, legal reforms, and gender-based violence, guiding AU-EU dialogue
• Increasing access to finance through innovative mechanisms like the continental blended finance facility and the Human Development Accelerator (HDX) supported by the EU in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Gates Foundation

“This meeting shows how far the strategic partnership between African Union, Africa CDC and the European Union has come,” states Heidy Rombouts, Director-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation. “Together, there is a strong willingness and commitment to continue building on the AU-EU Global Health Partnership’s foundations and to develop even more mutually beneficial partnerships in health. It has been an honor for Belgium to co-chair these fruitful discussions alongside our African and European partners.”

Africa and Europe will take this momentum forward to the AU-EU Summit from November 24-25 in Luanda, Angola.

Media contacts

Africa CDC Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | EdwinM@africacdc.org

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Africa CDC, in collaboration with the African Union Humanitarian Affairs Division, has recently deployed emergency medical and laboratory experts to assess the situation in Sudan and support outbreak control, sustain essential health services and reinforce biosafety in the affected area. The agency’s Epidemic Intelligence team is working closely with Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization to verify casualty figures, monitor potential disease outbreaks and assess the broader public-health impact.

“This is not only a human tragedy but a public-health emergency,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “Our immediate priority is to preserve life, prevent secondary outbreaks and protect the health infrastructure that communities depend on. Health facilities and workers must never be targets of war.”

Africa CDC is also urging all parties to the conflict to protect the integrity of laboratories and biomedical facilities that store or handle high-consequence pathogens, warning that any compromise of these sites could pose serious biosecurity and public-health risks.

Sudan continues to face multiple overlapping outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, measles and diphtheria — all intensified by conflict, mass displacement, and restricted access to healthcare. Repeated attacks on hospitals and clinics are further undermining the fragile system that supports outbreak control, maternal and child health, and immunisation services, placing millions at increased risk across the region.

In light of these escalating health risks, Africa CDC is calling for an immediate halt to violence against health facilities and personnel, the protection of humanitarian and medical access, and full respect for international humanitarian law. The agency is reaffirming its commitment to work with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, the African Union, WHO and humanitarian partners to restore essential services, strengthen outbreak response and safeguard regional health security.

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About the Africa CDC

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Media Contacts

Margaret Edwin

Director of Communication and Public InformationEdwinM@africacdc.org

The post Africa CDC Mobilises Emergency Public-Health Response After Hospital Attack in Sudan appeared first on Africa CDC.

The vaccines have been allocated to Uganda, one of the countries most affected in 2025, through the Mpox Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM), coordinated by Africa CDC in collaboration with key global health partners. This contribution significantly increases vaccine availability in Uganda and strengthens the continent’s ability to respond swiftly and equitably to ongoing outbreaks.

H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, said: “Africa CDC welcomes this continued partnership with Bavarian Nordic in responding to the ongoing mpox outbreak. This donation of vaccines will significantly strengthen Uganda’s outbreak response and supports our collective efforts to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools across Africa. Sustained collaboration with our partners is vital to achieving a continent that is prepared, self-reliant, and resilient against public health threats.”

With this new contribution, Bavarian Nordic has now committed a total of 165,000 doses of its MVA-BN vaccine to Africa. Previous donations have supported outbreak response efforts through Africa CDC, the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and Gavi-eligible countries.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic, added: “Mpox remains a health emergency in Africa as evidenced by the continued spread across the continent and increase in the number of cases. The continued availability of funding and vaccines is critical for a successful public health response, and we are pleased to reinforce our commitment through another donation of our mpox vaccine.”

Through the Mpox Access and Allocation Mechanism, Africa CDC continues to coordinate the equitable distribution of vaccines and other medical countermeasures to affected Member States. The mechanism is a key instrument in implementing the New Public Health Order for Africa, ensuring that the continent remains prepared, self-reliant, and resilient against current and emerging health threats.

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AboutAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

For more information and media inquiries:
Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC EdwinM@africacdc.org

The post Africa CDC Strengthens Mpox Response through Additional Vaccine Support from Bavarian Nordic appeared first on Africa CDC.

The Durban Promise includes seven continental commitments:

1. Mobilise Africa’s Wealth and Innovation for Health Sovereignty
2. Strengthen Governance and Accountability
3. Reinvest in PHC and Community Systems
4. Foster Regional Solidarity and Market Efficiency
5. Build Integrated, Climate-Resilient and Pandemic-Ready One Health Systems
6. Reframe Health as a Strategic Investment
7. Transform This Moment into Africa’s Leadership Era

“This moment enables South Africa to carry the voice of the continent into the G20 deliberations—championing fair global health financing, resilient systems, and recognition of Africa as a strategic contributor, not a passive recipient,” said Professor Olive Shisana, CPHIA 2025 Co-chair, in her remarks during the closing ceremony.

CPHIA 2025 brought together nearly 20,000 participants from over 72 countries — both online and in Durban — from across governments, academia, and civil society. Held under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security,” the conference was hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and co-organised with the Government of South Africa and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention. 

CPHIA 2025 featured three high-level plenary sessions, 20 abstract-driven sessions, eight special sessions and 48 side events from partners, the Africa CDC and AfricaBio. There were also 235 virtual posters and 90 in-person abstract presentations, along with 24 exhibition booths demonstrating cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and services. 

“In all the conversations that came through, we got to hear that Africa is ready to meet the moment. Africa’s season, and Africa’s moment to lead, is now,” said Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

CPHIA 2025’s closing ceremony also featured three awards:

• Best Young Investigator for bringing fresh thinking, ingenuity, and passion to transform health and science was given to two individuals who presented their research at the conference:
  • Dr.  Noluxabiso Mangwana, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa
  • Ms. Diana Imoli, Kenya Medical Research Institute
• Best Oral Abstract for the most compelling presentation:
  • Eric Angula, Casual Foundry
• Distinguished Scientist for an individual who has made remarkable contributions to research and public health:
  • Prof Olive Shisana, co-chair of the CPHIA 2025 Scientific Programme Committee and President of Evidence Based Solutions

In reflecting on the conference outcomes and the awards presented at the closing ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya said: ‘‘Together, we decided to affirm our collective ambition to accelerate Africa’s journey towards sovereignty. It has been inspiring to hear directly from all of you, and especially from young people, about the exceptional work being done to support public health and to ensure strong health systems across Africa.’

Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, Chair of Bio Africa Convention, commented on what the conference accomplished this year, and the role of future CPHIA convenings. “What we saw over the last three days was groundbreaking research tackling very critical health issues. We engaged in some exciting and engaging panel discussions and had some dynamic exhibitions showcasing Africa’s ingenuity. This conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration.”

In closing the ceremony, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya announced that the fifth edition of CPHIA would take place in November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Outcomes

Download the Outcomes Document from the event.

For media inquiries

Margaret Edwin, | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC  Edwinm@africacdc.org

About Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. 

Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

The post 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) Closes with Launch of ‘The Durban Promise’ appeared first on Africa CDC.

The conference spotlights African-led innovations, policy solutions, and research aimed at building resilient and self-reliant health systems, tailored to the needs of citizens across the continent.

Hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and co-organised with the Government of South Africa and AfricaBio’s BIO Africa Convention, the opening ceremony brought together local, regional, and global delegates, including ministers of health, leading scientists, youth leaders, and civil society.

More than 20 countries are expected to converge in Durban, including representatives from global agencies such as the African Union Commission, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Global Fund, among others.

H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasised the continent’s evolving role on the global stage: “For the first time, Africa is inspiring the world. The world is coming to learn from Africa. This reform of the global architecture means we are co-architects. We are 1.4 billion proud Africans making our own agenda. We are proud of that.”

South Africa is the third country to host the conference since its inception in 2021. This year’s gathering serves as a vital precursor to the G20 Health Ministers’ meeting in early November under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. At its close this Saturday, CPHIA 2025 will result in an outcome statement that advances Africa’s health future, ensuring African-led solutions remain central to global health reform.

Dr. Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of South Africa, outlined the conference’s core imperative: “Every decision we take here must move us closer to health equity, economic inclusion and social justice. Through African leadership and global solidarity, we can build a future where our health systems are financed, powered, and sustained by Africans themselves, ensuring that no community anywhere in this continent is left behind.”

Discussions will explore strategic priorities shaping Africa’s health future, including strengthening health financing and accountability; scaling digital health and telemedicine; expanding access to primary health care and universal coverage; accelerating local production of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics; and integrating climate resilience and One Health approaches to address emerging health threats.

Dr. Nhlanhla Msomi, President of AfricaBio, underscored the urgency of building innovation capacity: “We know that our healthcare industry on the continent at large is using borrowed technologies, borrowed ideas, and borrowed science. Unless we move away and decouple from that, we’re not likely to win this battle.”

The conference represents a critical platform for public health leaders to define Africa’s innovation agenda and drive African-owned solutions to the continent’s unique health challenges.

By fostering collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, CPHIA 2025 charts a course toward a future where Africa’s health systems are powered by homegrown innovation and expertise.

For additional information about the conference and to register for the event, please visit www.cphia2025.com.

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About Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About Africa Bio

AfricaBio is an independent, non-profit biotechnology stakeholders association. Its key role is to provide accurate information and create awareness, understanding as well as knowledge on biotechnology and biosafety in South Africa and the African region. AfricaBio seeks to understand and address stakeholder concerns on biotechnology and biosafety, and to build confidence in biotechnology’s potential in Africa.

Media Contacts: Margaret Edwin | Director of Communication and Public Information | Africa CDC EdwinM@africacdc.org

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Held under the high patronage of His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, the Forum brings together Ministers of Health and Finance from across West Africa, alongside technical experts, regional institutions, and development partners.

This landmark gathering aims to accelerate progress towards reaching zero-dose children, strengthening vaccine sovereignty, and positioning immunisation as a cornerstone of universal health coverage and health security in the region.

“The health of our people is the foundation of our continent’s progress,” said H.E. Dr Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health of the Republic of Senegal. “We are honoured to host this timely Forum and to stand with Africa CDC, Gavi, and our regional neighbours in reaffirming our shared commitment to immunisation as a public good and a tool for health sovereignty.”

“This is not just a forum, it is a turning point for our region,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “We are bringing together ministers and partners to affirm one simple truth: vaccines are a right, not a privilege. If we are serious about universal health coverage, then we must prioritise immunisation, strengthen local manufacturing, and invest in our primary health care systems. This is the essence of the New Public Health Order.”

The Forum comes at a critical moment, with one in five children in Africa still lacking access to even a single routine vaccine. In response, Africa CDC and its partners are working with Member States to implement bold strategies that not only increase immunisation coverage but also promote vaccine self-reliance.

Senegal’s leadership in this space is widely recognised, especially with the establishment of the MADIBA vaccine production hub, inaugurated in December 2024. The facility aims to contribute to the African Union’s goal of producing 60 per cent of Africa’s vaccine needs by 2040.

“Senegal is deeply committed to a future where no child is left behind. Through investments in vaccine production and regional collaboration, we are contributing to the New Public Health Order that Africa CDC is championing,” said Dr Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal.

“Immunisation is fundamental, not just for the health of a nation, but for its economic development and stability,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “By investing in local vaccine manufacturing, West African nations are advancing health sovereignty and resilience to future pandemics, and Gavi is proud to be working with Africa CDC, the Government of Senegal, and other partners to translate our commitment into tangible, lasting impact.”

Over three days, participants are engaging in a structured programme comprising a technical expert forum (17–18 October) and a ministerial session (19 October), aligning with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State Summit. The Forum is expected to result in the adoption of the Dakar Communiqué on Immunisation in West Africa, alongside a regional roadmap to guide country-level implementation over the next five years.

“Strengthening immunisation must go hand in hand with transforming primary health care systems across the continent,” said Dr Landry Dongmo Tsague, Director of Primary Health Care, Africa CDC. “This Forum provides a unique opportunity to align political leadership, technical priorities, and sustainable financing to ensure every child, especially the most vulnerable, is protected through resilient primary health care systems.”

The Forum is supported by WHO, UNICEF, the West African Health Organization (WAHO), ECOWAS, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), and other key partners, with coordination from the Africa CDC Western Africa Regional Coordinating Centre.

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Notes to Editors

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate more than half the world’s children against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. The Vaccine Alliance brings together developing countries and donor governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. View the full list of donor governments and other leading organisations that fund Gavi’s work here.

Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunise a whole generation – over 1.2 billion children – and prevented more than 20.6 million future deaths, helping to halve child mortality in 78 lower-income countries. Gavi also plays a key role in improving global health security by supporting health systems as well as funding global stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningococcal and yellow fever vaccines. After two decades of progress, Gavi is now focused on protecting the next generation, above all the zero-dose children who have not received even a single vaccine shot. The Vaccine Alliance employs innovative finance and the latest technology – from drones to biometrics – to save lives, prevent outbreaks before they can spread and help countries on the road to selfsufficiency. Learn more at www.gavi.org and connect with us on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Media Contacts

Margaret Edwin – Director of Communications and Public Information | Tel: +251 986 632 878 | Email: edwinm@africacdc.org

Meghana Sharafudeen – Media Relations & Strategic Communications – msharafudeen@gavi.org Laura Shevlin – Media Relations & Strategic Communications – lshevlin@gavi

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