Africa CDC launches a continental blueprint to combat endemic diseases, NTDs

Addis Ababa, November 29, 2024 (FBC) – The African Union (AU) Member States have officially endorsed a new strategic plan aimed at tackling endemic diseases that disproportionately affect the continent. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) hosted a significant workshop from November 27 to 29, 2024, in Addis Ababa, where delegates gathered to launch this pioneering initiative.

Highlighting the workshop’s importance, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed optimism, stating, “It is indeed an honour to address you today. Our goal is to emerge from this workshop with strengthened strategies and renewed commitments for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Hepatitis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the continent.”

Delegates from all 55 AU Member States convened to review and endorse the Africa CDC’s blueprint for health from 2024 to 2027. This strategic plan aims to unify efforts across the continent in addressing urgent health challenges through the integration of prevention and control measures into national health systems.

Africa continues to bear the brunt of infectious diseases, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths. Furthermore, 40% of the global burden of NTDs resides within Africa, affecting every Member State with at least one endemic NTD. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for change, citing underfunding, weak health systems, limited research, and poor access to treatment as significant barriers to progress.

“We need to brace up to change this narrative by intensifying our efforts to find lasting solutions for the control and eventual elimination of these diseases,” Dr. Kaseya asserted.

The workshop’s objectives included validating strategic priorities for disease prevention and control across major health threats, enhancing multisectoral collaboration, finalizing a comprehensive implementation plan with clear monitoring and evaluation indicators, and establishing sustainable partnerships to strengthen health systems.

This initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Africa CDC’s “New Public Health Order,” which aims to elevate the continent’s self-sufficiency in health security.