Addressing challenges to Africa’s health security

Africa continues to face numerous health challenges, from outbreaks of infectious diseases to strained resources within fragile health systems. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) plays a critical role in responding to these challenges, promoting health security, and preparing the continent for future health crises. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the escalating health crisis in Goma, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and support in the region. Goma, a city where displaced individuals are living in overcrowded and underserved conditions, has become a hotspot for disease outbreaks including mpox, cholera, and measles. The dire situation in Goma underscores the broader health security risks faced by the continent. Dr. Kaseya expressed concern over the impact of foreign aid cuts on African countries, noting significant reductions in funding from Western nations. The Trump administration's decision to put USAID funding on hold, coupled with budget cuts from the European Union, Germany, and other countries, has raised alarms about the sustainability of health systems in Africa. Dr. Kaseya warned that these cuts could lead to millions of additional deaths, widespread poverty, increased pandemic risks, and significant economic losses. He called for a shift towards greater self-sufficiency in financing health systems and urged African countries to reduce their dependence on external resources. The Africa CDC is advocating for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by foreign aid cuts, emphasizing the importance of finding internal solutions to support and strengthen health systems across the continent. Dr. Kaseya is set to present these concerns to African heads of state in an upcoming meeting, where he will seek collaborative strategies to mitigate the impact of funding reductions and safeguard public health in Africa.