The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reached a historic milestone with the United Kingdom formally approving direct funding following nearly a year-long Due Diligence Assessment. This approval signals renewed confidence in Africa CDC’s strengthened fiduciary and governance systems and marks a new era of direct collaboration between the UK and the continent’s public health agency.
Since 2023, Africa CDC has implemented extensive institutional reforms, including aligning fully with African Union Financial Rules and Regulations, appointing high-caliber professionals, establishing an Office of Internal Oversight, and adopting comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance policies alongside anti-fraud and risk management measures. Regular independent audits have further reinforced these systems, transforming Africa CDC from reliance on third-party implementing partners into a fully capable agency able to manage donor resources with transparency and accountability.
The UK’s approval builds on existing confidence from African Union Member States and global health partners, including the World Bank, Gavi, CEPI, and the European Union, all of whom have entrusted Africa CDC with direct financial management of major health programs. These endorsements collectively affirm Africa CDC’s status as the continent’s recognized Public Health Agency.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, welcomed the UK decision as a recognition of the extensive reforms undertaken and the agency’s capacity to manage resources effectively. He highlighted the crucial support of the UK Permanent Mission to the African Union and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London, and called on other partners to place similar trust in Africa CDC’s robust systems that reflect African ownership, leadership, and global accountability.
By securing direct funding, Africa CDC ensures that resources can flow more efficiently and transparently to African Union Member States and their communities, supporting rapid, impactful health interventions. The agency remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and performance, further strengthening the trust placed in it by African citizens and the international community.
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