At the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Africa’s health leaders took a bold step forward. The Africa CDC Committee of Heads of State and Government (CHSG) held an extraordinary virtual session, sending one clear message: Africa is ready to own its health future.
A stronger Africa CDC for a stronger continent
The leaders reaffirmed the Africa CDC as the public health agency of Africa, equipped with political, strategic, and technical powers. This isn’t just symbolic. It shows a shift toward building real capacity on the continent, reducing reliance on external aid, and responding faster to outbreaks.
One major highlight? The United Kingdom completed a due diligence assessment, paving the way for direct funding to Africa CDC. This move is a big confidence boost in the agency’s institutional reforms and governance. It signals that global partners are starting to trust Africa to take charge of its health systems. (Africa CDC)
Champions of health sovereignty
Recognition also went to leaders driving health initiatives on the continent. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema was named the AU Cholera Champion, while Ghana’s President John Mahama was commended for championing health sovereignty. Together, they pushed forward the Continental Cholera Preparedness and Response Plan, launched from Lusaka earlier this year.
This plan is crucial. Cholera outbreaks remain a deadly reality across Africa, and coordinated action at continental level could save thousands of lives.
Financing, manufacturing and unity
The session was not just about applause, it was about action. Leaders called for:
- Innovative and domestic financing mechanisms to fund health programs sustainably.
- Scaling up local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics to reduce dependency on imports.
- Regulatory harmonization through the African Medicines Agency to speed up approvals and guarantee safety.
- Unified African positions in global health negotiations, ensuring the continent speaks with one voice.
These steps are about more than health. They’re about sovereignty, the power for Africa to decide and act on its own priorities without waiting for the rest of the world.
Why this matters now
Africa has faced repeated health crises from Ebola to COVID-19 to recurring cholera outbreaks. The extraordinary session signals a turning point. If commitments translate into real investments and policies, Africa could move from being a recipient of aid to a global player shaping health security.
The message from UNGA 80 was clear: health sovereignty isn’t a dream it’s becoming Africa’s reality.