Africa CDC partners with Japan Institute for Health Security to strengthen continental disease preparedness

ETHIOPIA—The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Japan Institute for Health Security have formalized a partnership to boost health security capabilities across the African continent.

The organizations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation focusing on infectious disease control, research advancement, and public health capacity building.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, signed the agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while Professor Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS, simultaneously executed the document in Tokyo, Japan.

This coordinated signing ceremony underscored the commitment both institutions bring to addressing global health challenges through international collaboration.

Framework for emergency response

The agreement establishes a structured framework for tackling emerging and re-emerging public health threats while strengthening pandemic prevention and preparedness systems.

The partnership prioritizes enhanced cooperation in infectious disease surveillance and early warning mechanisms, allowing both regions to identify potential outbreaks before they escalate into major health crises.

The collaboration extends to laboratory and research capacity development, enabling African institutions to strengthen their diagnostic and scientific capabilities.

Both organizations will coordinate responses to public health emergencies, ensuring rapid deployment of resources and expertise when disease outbreaks occur.

Workforce development and knowledge exchange

The partnership emphasizes building robust public health workforces through structured training programs and institutional exchanges.

Technical collaboration between African and Japanese health professionals will facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development, creating more resilient public health institutions across the continent.

Dr. Kaseya highlighted the borderless nature of health threats and the critical importance of strong partnerships in preparedness efforts.

“This cooperation with JIHS will strengthen scientific collaboration, reinforce public health institutions and workforce capacity, and accelerate our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks,” he stated.

Addressing cross-cutting health challenges

The collaboration incorporates One Health and climate-resilient approaches to combat zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other emerging health risks.

This comprehensive strategy recognizes the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health systems.

Professor Kokudo emphasized JIHS’s unique position as an integrated national institution combining infectious disease intelligence, research and development, clinical expertise, and international cooperation capabilities.

“Through this partnership with Africa CDC, we look forward to expanding joint research, strengthening workforce development, and building practical collaboration that contributes to regional and global health security,” he explained.

Implementation and strategic alignment

The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to science-based preparedness and fosters learning exchanges between institutions, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from both regions.

The collaboration aligns with Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan spanning 2023 to 2027 and supports the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda.

Both partners will develop a Joint Action Plan defining priority activities, implementation timelines, and operational mechanisms to translate the memorandum into concrete health security improvements across Africa.