Africa Lists Diagnostics for Priority Diseases
Africa has developed a preferred list to guide efforts in improving access to diagnostics for epidemic-prone diseases on the continent. Mpox, dengue, cholera, bacterial meningitis, and measles are the first set of priority diseases for which priority diagnostics have been shortlisted based on the set criteria outlined in the Target Product Profiles (TPPs). “Specific tests for these diseases will undergo evaluation as part […]
Mpox Vaccination Programme Gets off the Ground in Nigeria
On November 18, 2024, Nigeria launched its mpox vaccination campaign, targeting healthcare workers and individuals with weakened immune systems in hospitals across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, said the vaccination mostly targeted health workers in facilities with confirmed cases and close […]
Africa Scales-Up Integrated Community Health Worker Programmes
The AU Member States of the African Union Commission and Africa CDC are to develop an African Union Framework to fast-track the implementation of the 2017 decision on Community Health Workers by 2030. The framework will establish a robust accountability mechanism, creating a clear avenue to hold Member States and partners accountable at the highest level. “The […]
Rwanda’s Health Financing Model Offers a Test Ground for Africa
Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes in Africa are often hamstrung by two main problems: dependency on external funding and financial sustainability. By integrating CHWs into its primary healthcare system, Rwanda has institutionalised their role as formal health workers, addressing workforce shortages while addressing remuneration through innovative solutions. Rwanda’s Ministry of Health expanded its community health programme beginning in […]
The African Health Research Agenda Should Focus on Delivering More Health Outcomes
An impact-driven, outcome-guided, priority-based, and ethically conducted health research agenda in Africa urgently needs a standardised approach to health research prioritisation, a pan-African health research workshop that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 21–23, 2024, heard. African-centred health research ethics that respect cultural values and the diversity of the African context, and a continental governance and coordination framework that ensures harmonised […]
Africa’s Plan to Tackle Endemic Diseases Head-on
Africa CDC unveiled a bold new strategy to combat endemic diseases across the continent, marking a pivotal step in the fight against HIV and AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The plan is anticipated to play a critical role in reshaping Africa’s health landscape. More than 50 member states endorsed the strategy at a […]
The Making of a Kofi Annan Fellow
On November 1, the week-long residential for the 25 fellows of the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership concluded in Cairo, Egypt. This marked the second residential session of the fourth cohort of fellows, which ran from October 25 to November 1, providing opportunities for observation, learning, exchanging ideas, and the shaping of future global health […]
Egypt’s Hepatitis Programme Becomes a Model for African Countries
Egypt’s Hepatitis Programme, also known as the “100 Million Healthier Lives” campaign has become a benchmark for African countries. The nationwide effort has led the country to become the first in 2024 to achieve Gold-tier certification for progress towards eliminating Hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is a major public health threat in Africa, with morbidity and […]
Africa CDC Head Stresses Linked Solutions for Public Health crises
Africa is at a crossroads. The continent is fighting multiple disease outbreaks amid a tightening fiscal space that is affecting many of our trusted funding partners. It will take collaboration beyond the health sector, adaptation to the rapidly changing world, advancing digital health solutions and investment in local manufacturing – all while bringing together African […]
Africa’s Pursuit of Cost-Effective Community Health Worker Services
Fifteen service categories, comprising a total of 110 interventions, have been identified in Africa as priorities for delivery through Community Health Workers. Now, health economists are analyzing the cost of each package to determine how it can transform health outcomes across the continent. The Health Economics and Financing Division, along with the Division of Community Health Systems at Africa […]