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Environmental, Social and Governance Policy, February 2025

Africa CDC Overview and ESG Policy Rationale
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the specialized technical institution of the African Union (AU) responsible for supporting Member States in strengthening their health systems and capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats. In an era marked by rising global health emergencies, climate-induced vulnerabilities, and growing social inequities, Africa CDC plays a pivotal role not only in public health leadership but also in championing sustainability, inclusion, and governance excellence across the continent.

Africa CDC's core mandate includes disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, health system strengthening, laboratory capacity development, and workforce training. These functions are delivered through flagship initiatives such as the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, the Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Network (RISLNET), and the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Programme. These efforts are supported by a diverse network of national public health institutions, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, and bilateral and multilateral partners.

In light of Africa’s escalating health challenges, which are compounded by the impacts of climate change, resource scarcity, gender disparities, and weak governance structures, it is imperative for Africa CDC to institutionalize an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policy. This policy provides a strategic framework to embed sustainability, social justice, and ethical governance in all Africa CDC activities—ranging from its internal operations to its partnerships and programmatic work across the continent.

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