Africa CDC calls for health security overhaul
The Africa CDC is urging African nations to overhaul their health security by increasing domestic financing and local manufacturing of medical supplies. The organization aims to reduce reliance on external aid and reactive emergency responses by 2040.
Why it matters
Strengthening regional health infrastructure is critical for the continent's long-term resilience against future pandemics and health crises.
DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICAN countries need to overhaul the way they approach health security by increasing domestic financing, expanding local production of medical supplies, reforming global health systems and embracing digital technology, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said.
Acting Africa CDC Deputy Director-General Dr Raj Tajudeen made the call while representing the organisation’s Director-General, Dr Jean Kaseya, at the fourth Eastern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting in Dar es Salaam.
Dr Tajudeen explaomed that Africa could no longer rely on reactive and fragmented responses to health emergencies if the continent was to achieve health security and greater control over its health systems.
“We cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect different results. We need to take the bull by the horns and shift from reactive responses to proactive and coordinated action,” he said.
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