WHO, Africa CDC deepen collaboration on improving health security
The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that it is deepening collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) through its Africa Centres for Disease Control(CDC) and Prevention (Africa CDC) to enable it tackle the health challenges confronting the continent.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti hinted of the agreement between the two organisation to build better synergies through a joint task force and action plan during a two-day meeting earlier this month in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Noting the challenges confronting the health sector, Moeti said “ Public health faces enormous challenges across Africa and by leveraging our strengths WHO and Africa CDC can support Member States in saving lives,”
He emphasized that the draft action plan identifies key areas for cooperation – with particular emphasis on emergency preparedness and response, and health security in the overall context of health systems strengthening – and operationalizes the Framework of Collaboration between WHO and the Africa Union Commission on the establishment of the Africa CDC agreed in 2016.
“A joint task force with five technical working groups will guide the efforts in the areas of partnerships and resource mobilization; monitoring the progress in implementing international health regulations; addressing the African Union Agenda 2063; public health emergency preparedness and response; strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacities; and antimicrobial resistance,” said Moeti
Speaking on the collaboration, the AUC Commissioner for Social Affairs, Amira Elfadil said The African Union Commission is promoting health strategies and policies to reach the goals of implementing priority activities.
She avers that strengthening health system requires solid partnerships and collaboration, as such WHO’s technical expertise would complement AUC’s ability to mobilize political support.
“Strengthening health systems and moving towards health coverage for all remain top priorities for African nations,” said HAmira Elfadil,
She revealed that WHO and Africa CDC also agreed on the creation of a joint work plan for 2019-2020, which would identify in detail how the two organizations will collaborate in implementing priority activities in the African region.
The Director of Africa Center for Disease Control ( ACDC John Nkengasong on his path said Africa is at a tipping point as it moves aggressively towards its integration agenda which includes: free movement of people, open skie, and continental free trade agreements.
“we need to re-imagine our public health approaches to ensure efficiencies and harness all our assets. By working as one – rather than duplicating our efforts – we can more effectively respond to Member States’ needs.
“Ultimately, the main objective of Africa CDC is to build the capacity of Member States.”He said
WHO and Africa CDC stressed the importance of having core values to aspire to and good communications for working closely together, and agreed on regular meetings and teleconferences at multiple levels within the organizations.
Oyin Aminu, Abuja