Africa and Europe Team Up to Stop Disease Outbreaks

When diseases cross borders, the world needs to respond as one team.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) just signed their first official Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa. The agreement transforms nearly ten years of informal collaboration into a structured partnership designed to protect communities on both continents.

Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of ECDC, finalized the deal during a two-day meeting with health experts. The framework establishes clear pathways for cooperation in disease surveillance, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness.

The partnership tackles some of healthcare's toughest challenges. Both agencies will work together on antimicrobial resistance, vaccine-preventable diseases, and emerging infectious threats that could affect millions.

Teams from both continents will share expertise in data analytics, laboratory strengthening, and workforce training. This means faster detection of outbreaks and better-prepared health workers when emergencies strike.

"Infectious diseases do not respect borders, and our response must be equally interconnected," Kaseya said at the signing ceremony. He emphasized that timely surveillance and a skilled workforce create lasting resilience for African communities.

Rendi-Wagner called the agreement essential for addressing current and future health challenges. "Our health security and progress depend on each other," she noted, expressing enthusiasm for working closely with Africa CDC colleagues.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership builds on real results. A five-year collaboration funded by the European Commission just wrapped up in April, successfully strengthening surveillance systems and workforce capacity across Africa.

The momentum continues with a new five-year initiative launching in May 2026. That program will tackle antimicrobial resistance through a One Health approach, bringing together the European Food Safety Authority alongside both disease control centers.

The expanded cooperation means technical experts can share insights faster and coordinate epidemic intelligence more effectively. When one region detects a threat early, both can mobilize resources to contain it.

Africa CDC supports 55 African Union member states in building stronger health systems. With this formal partnership, those nations gain direct access to European technical expertise and coordinated response capabilities.

Together, these agencies protect over 1.8 billion people across two continents.