Geneva, 20 May 2025 — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has signed a new agreement with Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to improve public health systems, boost local manufacturing, and support health research and emergency readiness across Africa.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, and Dr. Mario Santos Moreira, President of Fiocruz. The signing took place during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, at a special event marking Fiocruz’s 125th anniversary.
Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to strengthen National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), promote disease tracking through the One Health approach, and expand research that connects science to real-world solutions. They will also focus on building local production of essential medical supplies, improving public health laws, and sharing knowledge that supports better health policies. These efforts are in line with Africa CDC’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and its New Public Health Order.
“This partnership shows our commitment to practical, respectful collaboration that delivers results,” said Dr. Kaseya. “Fiocruz brings new energy to South-South cooperation, based on shared goals and knowledge.”
Fiocruz, which is linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Health, is the largest biomedical research center in Latin America. It produces vaccines and medicines for Brazil’s public health system and brings deep expertise in health research, training, and technology development. Through this new partnership, Fiocruz will support Africa CDC’s efforts to improve health financing, public health education, and stronger health systems across African Union countries.
“This agreement shows Fiocruz’s dedication to long-term cooperation,” said Dr. Moreira. “We are proud to work with Africa CDC to help countries in the Global South strengthen their health systems and better prepare for future health emergencies.”
A Joint Action Plan will guide the partnership. It will include technical working groups to organize efforts, monitor progress, and report outcomes. Although no money is directly tied to the MoU, both parties plan to raise funds and team up with other technical partners to move the work forward.
One major focus is local vaccine production. Africa currently produces only about 1% of the vaccines it uses. Fiocruz’s experience will support Africa CDC’s efforts to increase this number. Through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM), Africa CDC is helping launch new vaccine projects. As of 2024, there were 25 vaccine production efforts underway. Eight antigens are expected to receive WHO prequalification and enter the market by 2030.
Africa CDC also warns that, by 2030, the combined effects of health crises and economic stress could push millions of Africans into poverty. To protect the continent’s future, Africa CDC is leading a three-part plan that focuses on raising domestic funds, using innovative financing, and blending public and private investments.
Related topics:
