China and Korea have contributed $4 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to help address urgent health funding needs. This support follows a reduction in U.S. aid, which has created financial gaps for the pan-African public health agency.
Africa CDC had expected $500 million in funding from the U.S., but this has been cut to $385 million, leaving a shortfall. The agency, which relies heavily on external funding, is now working to bridge the gap through alternative sources.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said the organization is engaging with the U.S. government, emphasizing that Africa’s health security is also global security. He added that talks are ongoing with private sector players, though he did not name specific organizations.
To strengthen its financial position, Africa CDC has launched the African Epidemic Fund, approved last week. This fund includes leftover COVID-19 resources and will help address funding shortages through locally raised contributions. Kaseya noted that the fund provides flexibility, allowing Africa CDC to respond swiftly to outbreaks and build resilient health systems without requiring approval from the African Union.
There is also renewed focus on boosting local vaccine production. Next week, an agreement for a technical transfer of the mpox vaccine from Bavarian Nordic A/S to an African company is expected to be finalized, though the company’s name has not been disclosed.
The financial strain on Africa’s health sector comes at a critical time, as multiple crises threaten to reverse years of progress in health security and economic development. Kaseya has warned that without urgent action, financial constraints could lead to 2 to 4 million additional deaths annually from preventable diseases. He also highlighted the broader economic impact, with projections indicating that 39 million more people could fall into poverty, costing the continent billions each year.
Africa CDC continues to seek sustainable funding solutions to ensure long-term health security for the continent.
