In this episode of the Africa Public Health Podcast, Dr. Wessam Mankoula, Regional Director of the Northern Africa RCC and Acting Head of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Division at Africa CDC, reflects on the hard-won lessons from COVID-19. The pandemic exposed deep fractures in global health systems, from delayed responses to unequal access to life-saving tools. For Africa, it was not just a wake-up call—it was a turning point.
From cross-border collaboration and the politics of data sharing to the power of partnerships and a bold new model for emergency response, this episode unpacks how Africa is reshaping its public health future. Dr. Mankoula explores the vision behind the “New Public Health Order,” touching on institutional reform, local manufacturing, workforce development, and sustainable financing. He also shares a rare personal reflection on work-life balance in the midst of crisis leadership and the human cost of always being “on.”
Whether you’re a public health expert, policymaker, or engaged citizen, this episode outlines what’s at stake, what’s being done, and what must come next.
Why This Matters
- Data sharing is met with solidarity, not sanctions: The case of Reporting Omicron in South Africa
- Health emergencies are managed by African-led institutions standing in unity and purpose
- Local manufacturing ensures Africa is never at the end of the queue again
- Emergency preparedness is proactive, rooted in One Health and regional cooperation
