Safeguarding Africa’s Health: H.E. DG Kaseya’s visit and signing of MoU between Norway and Africa CDC

Africa CDC is a continental autonomous health agency of the African Union (AU). Africa CDC was established in 2017 to support public health initiatives in the 55 Member States and strengthen the capacity of their public health institutions to detect, prevent, control and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats. The headquarters (HQ) are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and there are 5 regional offices.

On Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, 12th of December 2023, the Lusaka Agenda was launched, outlining five key shifts to guide the evolution of global health initiatives in Africa. It is a foundational roadmap for Africa CDC which focuses on strengthening primary health care (PHC), advancing sustainable, domestically-funded health services, promoting equity in health outcomes, ensuring strategic and operational coherence, and coordinating efforts in product development, research, and regional manufacturing.

In addition, the AU and Africa CDC have also released in a joint “New Public Health Order” to work towards sustainable health outcomes and health security in Africa. It outlines 5 strategic pillars including strengthening public health institutions and workforce, expanding local manufacturing of health products, and increasing domestic investment. Its last pillar focuses on building action-oriented and respectful partnerships which ensure that Africa’s voice is heard, and that collaboration is rooted in respect and aligned with Africa’s priorities.

Africa CDC is an important global health partner for Norway and a major partner for multiple Norwegian institutions in terms of co-operation. The University of Bergen (UiB) works with Africa CDC to support health economics and prioritisation. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) collaborates in several areas and has seconded senior experts to Africa CDC. University of Oslo (UiO) will enter into collaboration to support in IT and digitalisation through their HISP/DHIS2 system, which is already utilised in the vast majority of African countries.

A joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Africa CDC and Norway, with all three institutions, has been prepared and will be signed at this seminar on March 18th. NIPH has the pleasure of organising this seminar to highlight Africa CDC’s work, present its collaboration and partnership with Norway, and host the joint signing of this MoU.

When: Tuesday March 18th, 2025, 13:15-15:00  
Location: Auditoriet, Lindern, Lovisenberggata 8, NIPH
Language: English  
Registration deadline: March 16th, 2025

Participants for the panel discussion – Chaired by Frode Forland (NIPH and MFA)
• DG Jean Kaseya (Africa CDC)
• Kristin Braa (UiO) 
• Frederik Kristensen (CEPI/RVMC)
• Lumbwe Chola (UiB)