Angola’s President João Lourenço has pledged $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), reinforcing the country’s commitment to strengthening health systems and safeguarding public health across the continent. The announcement was made during a high-level African Union health summit, where leaders gathered to discuss sustainable investments in health security and resilience.
This contribution marks a significant step in Africa’s journey toward health sovereignty, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in the continent’s preparedness and response mechanisms. The funds will support Africa CDC’s initiatives, including early disease detection systems, rapid response capabilities, and the training of healthcare professionals across member states.
President Lourenço emphasized the importance of unity in addressing public health threats, stating that Africa must invest in homegrown solutions to reduce dependence on external aid during health crises. He underscored the need for well-coordinated surveillance systems, robust laboratories, and stronger continental institutions to manage future outbreaks effectively.
The donation also aligns with the broader goal of the African Union to mobilize domestic resources for the health sector. It sets a precedent for other African nations to contribute directly to the continent’s primary health body, thus enhancing collective preparedness and resilience.
The Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, lauded Angola’s pledge, noting that such contributions are critical for implementing the New Public Health Order—a strategy that seeks to build a stronger, self-reliant African health ecosystem through improved governance, workforce development, and regional manufacturing of medical supplies.
The $5 million pledge reflects Angola’s growing leadership in regional affairs and commitment to Africa’s long-term health agenda. As the continent faces increasing health risks from pandemics, climate change, and non-communicable diseases, investments like this are crucial to ensuring a healthier, more secure future for all Africans.
