In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable health security, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) moves into high gear, a year after pivotal discussions in Burundi. On September 16-17, 2024, a significant regional meeting convened the directors of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and health officials from Central African nations to evaluate advancements since the last gathering.

The establishment and enhancement of fully operational NPHIs are pivotal to promptly recognizing and responding to health emergencies. This initiative aligns with the Africa CDC's strategic vision outlined in the New Public Health Order for Africa, emphasizing the critical need to bolster health systems across the continent from 2023 to 2027.

As Dr. Yam-madji Aliace Djitaingar, Director General of Health in Chad, highlighted, “For several years, Africa CDC has championed the development of national public health institutes. We’ve provided essential technical and financial support to member states throughout various stages of NPHI development, thereby strengthening our collective health security.”

The meeting in Bujumbura back in July 2023 birthed an action plan aimed at accelerating NPHI development in Central Africa. Leaders pledged not only to formalize legislative measures towards NPHI establishment but also to strategize annual resource mobilization plans and foster cross-sector collaborations under a “One Health” framework. In this spirit of collaboration, Africa CDC is set to enhance advocacy efforts with the African Union's Heads of State while promoting knowledge exchanges among institutions, a strategy already benefiting Chad, São Tomé and Príncipe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic (CAR).

The urgency of this initiative resonates amidst the ongoing Mpox outbreak, declared a public health emergency of continental security by Africa CDC on August 13, 2024, affecting 15 African countries. Dr. Brice W. Bicaba, Director of Central Africa Regional Coordinating Center of Africa CDC, emphatically stated, “Our region grapples with a surge in public health crises, demanding an accelerated response. Effectively established national public health institutes serve as critical scientific hubs for disease prevention and surveillance, safeguarding our population's health.”

It's worth noting that the landscape of public health has transformed since Africa CDC organized its inaugural NPHI meeting in February 2018 when only Burundi had an operational institute. Fast forward to October 2023: both the DRC and Chad have successfully launched their NPHIs, with Cameroon and CAR scrolling through the development pipeline.

As Central African nations unite to strengthen their defenses against health emergencies, it raises an intriguing question: will these efforts pave the way to a healthier, more resilient continent? Only time will reveal if their commitment translates into tangible improvements in public health outcomes. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving narrative!