Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Addis Ababa — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Nigerian Vice‑President Yemi Osinbajo as senior strategic adviser to its Director‑General, Dr Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at strengthening the continent’s public health leadership and strategic coordination. The announcement comes as the agency advances its Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, a comprehensive strategy to bolster health systems, emergency preparedness, and local manufacturing of health commodities across African Union member states.
Osinbajo’s role places him at the centre of Africa CDC’s efforts to enhance policy engagement, mobilise political support, and foster partnerships between African governments, regional institutions, and global stakeholders. His experience in governance, finance, law, and public policy is expected to strengthen the agency’s capacity to implement initiatives that promote health security and self-reliance.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, described Osinbajo as bringing exceptional expertise at the intersection of governance and public policy, which will be invaluable for advancing the continent’s health security priorities. The agency highlighted that Osinbajo’s leadership will support strategic decision-making, guide policy formulation, and help Africa CDC amplify its influence in global health governance.
Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, has a distinguished record in public service, including leadership of national economic committees, oversight of social investment programmes, and reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. His advisory role at Africa CDC is expected to integrate this governance experience with technical health expertise, ensuring that African priorities are represented in international health policy discussions.
The Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda focuses on reducing dependence on imported vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, while strengthening local manufacturing capacity and sustainable financing. Osinbajo’s appointment is intended to provide high-level political guidance, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and reinforce Africa’s strategic positioning within the global health architecture.
Public health experts have welcomed the appointment, noting that combining political leadership with technical expertise enhances institutional capacity and can accelerate reforms in disease surveillance, health system resilience, and emergency response. Analysts emphasise that strong political engagement is crucial for mobilising resources, securing continental cooperation, and sustaining long-term health security initiatives.
The Africa CDC, established in 2017 under the African Union, coordinates continental responses to health emergencies, monitors disease outbreaks, and strengthens national public health institutes. The agency played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to address recurring threats such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and other infectious diseases. Its strategy now increasingly includes local production of health commodities to enhance Africa’s self-reliance and reduce vulnerabilities exposed by global supply disruptions.
Osinbajo’s advisory role is expected to bridge the gap between technical health initiatives and political strategy, supporting policy dialogues, advocacy for sustainable financing, and continental coordination. This integration aims to enhance Africa CDC’s ability to influence global health policies, ensuring that African perspectives and priorities are reflected in international decision-making.
The timing of the appointment underscores the interconnected nature of health security with economic stability, national sovereignty, and development goals. Osinbajo’s experience is seen as instrumental in guiding Africa CDC’s strategic objectives, strengthening partnerships, and advancing a collaborative framework for resilient health systems across the continent.
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