The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) took part in the Pandemic Fund Board Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 17–19 November 2025. The Pandemic Fund is the world’s primary financing mechanism dedicated to strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR), with roughly half of its global investments focused on building core capacities in African countries. Africa CDC continues to champion Africa Health Security and Sovereignty by mobilizing domestic resources and securing predictable, well-aligned external financing from global partners.
During the meeting, the Pandemic Fund approved USD 500 million in funding under its Third Call for Proposals, with Africa set to receive USD 234 million, representing 47% of the approved proposals. This allocation underscores the continent’s growing leadership in PPPR investments and demonstrates strengthened capacity among African Union Member States to design technically robust, high-quality proposals. Africa CDC praised the Secretariat, led by Priya Basu, for their leadership and support throughout the decision-making process.
H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, emphasized that preparedness is critical to preventing outbreaks from escalating into crises. She highlighted that the approved funding will help African countries build systems that safeguard communities, particularly in high-risk cross-border areas. Africa CDC will assist Member States in translating these resources into tangible capacities on the ground.
Since establishing a joint mechanism with WHO to support AU Member States in preparing strong submissions, Africa has seen significant improvements in the technical quality of proposals and the volume of financing secured. This progress reflects stronger national leadership and growing confidence from global partners in Africa’s PPPR efforts.
Africa CDC also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all Pandemic Fund Board Members. As Co-Chair of the G20 High-Level Independent Panel, Dr Kaseya worked closely with Board Members to facilitate dialogue and ensure donor commitment, including reaffirmation from the United States. The consensus achieved at the meeting reflects renewed support for the Fund’s mission.
Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Pandemic Fund, global partners, and AU Member States to continue strengthening Africa’s preparedness, building a safer and more sovereign continent, in alignment with the vision of Africa Health Security and Sovereignty.
