Africa CDC Calls for African-Led Health Security

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya on 12 September 2026, called for stronger African leadership and ownership of health security during an interview with The New York Times, urging African countries to strengthen Ebola preparedness, sustainable health financing and resilient health systems to protect communities from health emergencies.

Kaseya said the Ebola response has shown the importance of African countries having the capacity to manage health emergencies. He stressed that the continent needs stronger leadership, reliable funding and systems that can respond quickly to disease outbreaks.

Africa CDC is working with Member States to improve preparedness and response capacity across the continent. The organisation is supporting efforts to build health systems that can protect communities when emergencies occur.

Kaseya also highlighted the importance of health sovereignty, which involves African countries having greater control over their health systems, resources and responses. Stronger local capacity can help countries respond to outbreaks without depending heavily on external assistance.

The Ebola response has placed further attention on the need for countries to prepare before health emergencies occur. Effective preparedness can help health authorities detect outbreaks early, coordinate responses and protect communities from serious health threats.

Sustainable health financing is another major issue raised by Kaseya. Reliable funding is needed to maintain health services, train health workers, strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that countries have resources available during emergencies.

Africa CDC is working alongside Member States to strengthen national and continental health systems. The organisation aims to improve coordination between countries and increase their ability to respond to public health emergencies.

Kaseya’s call for African-led health security comes as the continent continues to seek greater control over its health challenges. He said stronger preparedness, response capacity, sustainable financing and resilient health systems are important for protecting African communities.

The interview has renewed attention on the need for African countries to take greater responsibility for health security while working together to respond to outbreaks and other emergencies.