Africa CDC partners with Brazil’s Fiocruz to strengthen African health systems

SWITZERLAND— The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen health systems across Africa

This partnership aims to advance health innovation, manufacturing, research, and preparedness throughout the African continent.

The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, and Dr. Mario Santos Moreira, President of Fiocruz, during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The ceremony also celebrated Fiocruz’s 125th anniversary, marking a milestone for the renowned Brazilian biomedical institution.

The agreement sets out a framework for joint efforts in several critical areas.

These include strengthening National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) across Africa, expanding translational research and disease surveillance using the One Health approach, and boosting local production of essential health products.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on enhancing research capabilities, knowledge sharing, policy development, and public health law and legal preparedness.

These initiatives align closely with Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order and its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Dr. Kaseya emphasized that this collaboration reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to practical, respectful partnerships that deliver tangible improvements in Africa’s health security.

He highlighted that working with Fiocruz opens new opportunities for South-South cooperation, based on shared priorities and expertise.

Fiocruz, linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Health, is Latin America’s largest biomedical research institution.

 It plays a crucial role in producing vaccines and medicines for Brazil’s public health system, known as the Unified Health System (SUS).

 The institution brings extensive experience in research, workforce training, and health technology production to the partnership.

Through this collaboration, Fiocruz will support Africa CDC in exchanging knowledge on health financing, social development, and building resilient public health systems within African Union Member States.

Dr. Moreira, Fiocruz’s president, noted that the agreement reflects the institution’s commitment to structural cooperation, which is central to its internationalization efforts.

He reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening health systems and promoting the sovereignty of countries in the Global South, enabling them to better prepare for health emergencies.

To guide the partnership’s implementation, a Joint Action Plan will be established.

This plan includes technical working groups responsible for coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and sharing results.

 Although the MoU does not involve immediate financial commitments, both organizations will work to mobilize resources and collaborate with other technical partners to advance their shared goals.

This partnership significantly supports Africa CDC’s push for health sovereignty, particularly in local vaccine manufacturing.

Currently, Africa produces only about 1% of the vaccines it consumes, a gap the continent is eager to close.

Africa CDC is actively working through initiatives like the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM) to accelerate vaccine production.

 As of 2024, there are 25 vaccine manufacturing projects underway, with eight antigens expected to achieve World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification and reach the market by 2030.

Looking ahead, Africa faces the risk of millions falling into poverty due to combined health and economic shocks by 2030, which could threaten the continent’s stability.

To counter this, Africa CDC is leading a three-pillar strategy focused on domestic resource mobilization, innovative financing, and blended finance to secure Africa’s health future.

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