Faced with the overwhelming burden of infectious diseases in Africa, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is taking the lead. At a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa, members of the African Union approved a groundbreaking strategic plan for 2024-2027.
Objective: to combat endemic and neglected tropical diseases that continue to hit the continent hard.
A strategic plan for a continental challenge
The new strategic plan of the Africa CDC is intended to be a decisive turning point. It is based on the integration of health systems and targets priorities such as the fight against malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis and neglected tropical diseases.
With 94% of global malaria cases and 40% of the neglected tropical disease burden, the continent is at the center of the epidemic. Every African country faces at least one endemic tropical disease. This situation reveals the urgency of a coordinated response.
Obstacles to overcome
Despite a stated desire, several challenges remain:
- Chronic underfunding: African health systems lack resources to respond effectively to health crises.
- Weak medical infrastructure: The capacity to provide quality care remains limited.
- Restricted access to treatments: A large part of the affected population is deprived of essential medicines.
- Insufficient research: Lack of investment is holding back the scientific and medical advances needed to combat these diseases.
A unified vision for public health
The plan is part of the New Public Health Order for Africa, a flagship initiative of the CDC. It aims to strengthen the continent’s autonomy in health security. In addition, it supports the objectives of Agenda 2063, a long-term development project to transform Africa.
By integrating prevention and control into national health systems, this strategy paves the way for significant progress in the fight against infectious diseases.
Africa at the crossroads
This continental plan is a strong step for the continent, but its implementation requires sustained commitment. Collaboration between African countries, international partners and health organizations will be necessary to turn this vision into reality.
The Africa CDC is leading the way. It remains to be seen whether this plan will be the long-awaited catalyst to reverse the trend and provide better health to African populations.
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