The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed a landmark agreement to ensure equitable access to essential medicines, vaccines, and health technologies. The partnership focuses on enhancing regional manufacturing, regulatory frameworks, and innovation to tackle public health challenges.

 Strengthening Regional Production

PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds will serve as a model for Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to localize production and improve the affordability and quality of health products. This initiative aligns with Africa’s long-term goal of producing over 60% of its vaccine requirements by 2040.

 Innovation and Emergency Preparedness

Both organizations will collaborate on research, digital health transformation, and emergency preparedness. By fostering innovation, the partnership seeks to address health emergencies with a reduced reliance on global supply chains.

Leaders Emphasize Collective Expertise

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, highlighted the importance of building resilient health systems that reduce dependency during crises. Similarly, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, praised PAHO’s expertise, emphasizing the shared mission of health security.

 Shared Knowledge for Mutual Growth

During a high-level visit to Washington, discussions covered vaccine manufacturing, logistics, and regulatory strategies. Africa CDC also briefed PAHO on its Mpox response, focusing on life-saving vaccine accessibility.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward addressing global health inequities and strengthening health systems across Africa and the Americas.