Africa CDC partners with GAFFI to launch first continental strategy against fungal diseases

ETHIOPIA—The Africa CDC and the Global Action for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) have co-hosted the continent’s first summit dedicated to fungal diseases, marking a turning point in public health strategy.

The gathering in Ethiopia brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, health activists, and funders who recognized the urgent need to address what experts call a silent epidemic affecting millions across Africa.

The summit concluded with stakeholders committing to strengthening surveillance systems, building diagnostic capacity, and expanding access to treatment throughout the continent.

Participants acknowledged that fungal infections pose a major public health challenge that demands immediate attention.

The hidden burden of fungal infections

These infections contribute to nearly half of all AIDS-related deaths across Africa.

They complicate other serious conditions, including tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cancer.

Fungal keratitis drives significant rates of blindness, while millions more suffer from common skin infections that are becoming increasingly virulent and treatment-resistant.

A 2022 survey conducted by GAFFI and Africa CDC across 48 African Union Member States exposed severe gaps in diagnostic availability and accessibility.

These shortfalls lead directly to delayed diagnoses and preventable deaths.

Experts raised particular concerns about drug-resistant superficial fungal infections and the emerging threat of Candida auris, which continues spreading across several regions.

Building a collaborative framework

Summit participants agreed to enhance collaboration across research and development, capacity building, surveillance, and clinical care.

They committed to aligning continental initiatives with the forthcoming World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List Blueprint while adapting these priorities to Africa’s unique contexts.

The discussions emphasized engaging African stakeholders, including civil society and frontline community specialists, in designing effective responses.

Patient advocates shared experiences of delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment in resource-constrained settings, highlighting the critical need to raise awareness among health workers and vulnerable populations.

Charting the path forward

Dr. Elvis Temfack, Africa CDC’s Head of Division for R&D and Clinical Trials Coordination, emphasized that progress requires patient-centered, priority-driven, and impact-focused collaboration.

He advocated for networks that build and leverage capacity through a hub-and-spoke model, supported by innovative and sustainable local financing for research and healthcare.

This approach aligns with Africa CDC’s broader strategy to reinforce laboratory networks, expand surveillance, and build resilient public health systems that can effectively address diseases causing substantial morbidity and mortality.

Emma Orefuwa, GAFFI’s Africa Lead, stressed that sustained political commitment and coordinated action remain absolutely vital as antifungal resistance rises.

The summit has set a new course for collective action and laid the groundwork for stronger partnerships, improved diagnostic capacity, and expanded access to treatment—all essential to reducing the preventable burden of fungal infections across Africa.