Ethiopian PM calls for strengthening Africa CDC as premier public health institution

ADDIS ABABA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on African Union (AU) members to intensify their collective support in elevating the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as a premier public health institution.

Abiy made the remarks in a statement after meeting with Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya on Friday at the headquarters of the AU's specialized healthcare agency in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

The prime minister said the Africa CDC's advanced laboratory facilities and research capabilities play a crucial role in disease prevention and in coordinating continental responses to epidemics and pandemics.

Noting that the East African country is "proud to host the Africa CDC," Abiy called on African countries to bolster their collective commitments toward advancing the Africa CDC as a premier public health agency.

"It is incumbent upon us to strengthen this institution in collaboration with partners. I call upon fellow African leaders to join efforts in establishing our continental public health agency as a premier institution, fully committed to advancing health across the continent," he said.

The Africa CDC, which was established in January 2016 by African leaders and officially launched one year later, has gained acclaim for its contribution to bettering public healthcare in Africa. The Chinese-built Africa CDC headquarters in the southern suburb of Addis Ababa, which is regarded as a flagship project in China-Africa public health cooperation, was officially inaugurated in January 2023.

In November 2023, the Africa CDC unveiled a China-aided reference laboratory at its headquarters. The agency said the completion of the laboratory marks a milestone in its pursuit of a strong continental public health institution that will support AU members in improving disease diagnosis, surveillance, and outbreak response.

After meeting with the Ethiopian prime minister, Kaseya underscored the agency's resolve to drive sustainable solutions for a healthier Africa.

"At the Africa CDC, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Ethiopia to tackle major health challenges, fortify systems, and drive sustainable solutions for a healthier Africa. Together, we are building resilience and safeguarding the future," Kaseya said.

As the African continent battles various disease outbreaks and public health challenges, including the ongoing mpox outbreak, the Africa CDC has emerged as a major public health agency supporting public health initiatives on the continent and strengthening Africa's capacity to detect, prevent, control, and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats. ■