1st Governing Board Meeting of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention Endorses Five Regional Collaborating Centers
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 9 May 2016- The inaugural meeting of the governing board of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was hosted by the African Union Commission at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The board comprises ten (10) ministers of health, two (2) representatives of the Commission, two (2) nominees of the private sector and civil society and one (1) representative of regional health organizations.

…The 15 member board endorsed Kenya, Nigeria, Gabon, Egypt and Zambia as the Regional Collaborating Centers (RCCs) for the Africa CDC, after reading and reviewing the onsite assessment mission report for the selection of the centers. The RCC’s will support the day-to-day execution of the Africa CDC strategic work plan to effectively monitor public health, respond to emergencies, and address complex health challenges and build needed capacity. They will support the continent at the point of need, rather than from a centralized, distant location.

The board also vetted the 5 candidates for the Africa CDC director position, the outcome of which is yet to be announced.

The Africa CDC will put in place a structure to support African countries in their efforts to effectively monitor public health, respond to emergencies, address complex health challenges and build needed capacity. The Africa CDC, as an African-owned institution, will provide a strong platform for technical coordination, ultimately strengthening public health systems, preparedness, surveillance and interventions across the continent. Furthermore, the Africa CDC will build capacity on the continent to respond to public health emergencies including outbreaks, man-made and natural disasters as well as public health events of regional and international concern