Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda Gains Momentum

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A renewed focus on health security and sovereignty is sweeping across Africa, driven by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This initiative aims to bolster the continent’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats while decreasing reliance on external aid and systems.

The Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda

Unveiled in November 2025, the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda builds upon the foundations of the New Public Health Order (NPHO), endorsed by African Heads of State in 2022. The agenda addresses a critical demand, as external health aid to the continent has decreased by nearly 70% since 2021, even as disease outbreaks have increased by over 40% between 2022 and 2024 [1]. Climate shocks, geopolitical shifts, fragile supply chains, and inequalities further exacerbate the risks to African health systems.

Five Interconnected Pillars

The AHSS Agenda is structured around five interconnected pillars, developed through dialogues including meetings led by President Kagame in February 2025, President Mahama in August 2025, and President Lourenço in September 2025 [1]. These pillars aim to translate the vision into practical action, with a core principle of countries leading, regions coordinating, and the global level providing support. The first pillar focuses on reforming the global health architecture to ensure Africa has decision-making power proportional to its needs and contributions [1].

Strengthening Collaboration and Systems

On February 18, 2026, the Africa CDC and FHI 360 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in health security, workforce development, and resilient public health systems [2]. This partnership aligns with the Africa CDC Strategic Plan (2023-2027), the AHSS Agenda, and the Lusaka Agenda.

The collaboration will focus on strengthening surveillance systems, epidemic intelligence, laboratory networks, health workforce capacity, and emergency preparedness and response. Digital transformation, institutional capacity-building, and integrated health systems that promote sustainability and national ownership are also key components [2].

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships rooted in mutual accountability and shared ambition [2]. The goal is to create resilient, self-reliant health systems prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, supporting a broader vision of health sovereignty and sustainable development across the continent.