Africa launches new epidemic fund to boost health security

ETHIOPIA – African leaders have introduced a new African Epidemic Fund (AEF) to improve the continent’s ability to prevent and respond to health crises.

The fund, launched by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union (AU), aims to provide sustainable financing for epidemic preparedness and response.

Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it a “game-changer for Africa’s health security.”

He explained that past reliance on external funding has left the continent vulnerable. “We cannot wait for outbreaks to happen and then start looking for money,” Kaseya said. “This fund is about ensuring we are always ready.”

The AEF will mobilize domestic resources from African governments, private sector players, and other partners.

It will be managed by the Africa CDC and serve as a rapid funding mechanism to respond to disease outbreaks like Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19.

The fund also aims to support vaccine production, research, and surveillance systems across Africa.

Why the fund matters

Africa has faced several deadly disease outbreaks in recent years, from Ebola in West Africa to cholera in Southern Africa.

The slow availability of funding during these emergencies has often delayed response efforts, worsening the impact. The AEF will ensure that funds are immediately available when an outbreak occurs.

Historically, Africa has depended on funding from global organizations like the World Bank, the Global Fund, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

While these partnerships remain crucial, Kaseya stressed that Africa must lead its own health security efforts. “The time has come for Africa to take control of its own health financing,” he said.

African governments are expected to contribute a percentage of their national health budgets to the AEF. Private sector involvement will also be key, with businesses encouraged to invest in public health initiatives.

The Africa CDC believes that the AEF will strengthen local healthcare systems, allowing countries to detect and contain outbreaks faster.

Experts say the fund could also support research into locally produced vaccines and treatments, reducing dependence on imports.