Africa CDC and FHI 360 Partner to Strengthen Health Security Across the Continent
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 18, 2026 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and FHI 360 have formalized their collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to bolster health security, workforce development, and build more resilient public health systems throughout Africa.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for cooperation aligned with the Africa CDC Strategic Plan (2023–2027), the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, and the Lusaka Agenda. These alignments reinforce a shared commitment to sustainable, locally driven health systems and preparedness across the continent.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Under the partnership, Africa CDC and FHI 360 will focus on several critical areas, including:
- Strengthening surveillance systems
- Enhancing epidemic intelligence
- Improving laboratory networks
- Increasing health workforce capacity
- Boosting emergency preparedness and response capabilities
The collaboration will also support digital transformation, institutional capacity-building, and the development of integrated health systems that prioritize sustainability and national ownership.
Statements from Leadership
H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening Africa’s health security. “Strengthening Africa’s health security demands partnerships built on mutual accountability and results. This MoU with FHI 360 strengthens our commitment to support African Union Member States build resilient, self-reliant systems that can prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, while accelerating national ownership and sustainable financing for preparedness. It advances our broader vision of health sovereignty across the continent,” he stated.1
Dr. Tessie San Martin, CEO of FHI 360, added, “For more than five decades, FHI 360 has worked shoulder to shoulder with governments and civil society in countries across Africa to respond to health threats and promote strong and resilient health systems. We share the Africa CDC’s vision of a safer, healthier and prosperous Africa. We agree that an essential part of fulfilling this vision requires strengthening national capabilities to detect and respond to public health emergencies and strengthening domestic health financing, workforce development, and manufacturing capacity. These are the foundation of continental health sovereignty; they will promote African autonomy and preparedness.”1
Focus on Sustainability and Sovereignty
The partnership will also align with evolving global health security frameworks and reinforce efforts to transition toward country-led, government-to-government engagement. This includes a focus on integrated data systems, private sector engagement, and performance-linked financing models designed to strengthen accountability and sustainability.
By formalizing this partnership, Africa CDC and FHI 360 reaffirm their commitment to expanding institutional capacity, promoting innovation, and supporting Member States in advancing health security, economic resilience, and continental self-reliance.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. More information can be found on their website and social media channels: https://africacdc.org/.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources, and relationships to improve access to opportunities for people worldwide to lead full, healthy lives. With a staff of over 2,000 experts working in more than 50 countries, FHI 360 focuses on global health and other development challenges. Further details are available at: https://www.fhi360.org/.