MWE Correspondent
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new framework to help African countries establish or strengthen their National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs), institutions critical for managing health emergencies and building resilient healthcare systems.
The framework was unveiled as part of Africa CDC’s ongoing efforts to improve public health infrastructure across the continent.
Acting Deputy Director Dr. Tajudeen Raji explained that, of Africa’s 55 countries, only 25 currently have fully operational NPHIs. “Experience from the COVID-19 pandemic shows that countries with these institutes were able to respond more efficiently and in real time to public health threats,” Dr. Raji said. He added that the framework provides practical guidance for countries navigating challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and political support.
Tanzania is among the African nations actively working to establish a National Public Health Institute. Dr. Rogath Kishimba, Principal Epidemiologist at the Tanzania Ministry of Health, said the institute will help coordinate public health functions within the ministry and across sectors. “Tanzania is one of 19 countries currently in the process of establishing an NPHI,” he explained, noting that this development will strengthen the country’s ability to respond to epidemics and other health emergencies.
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The Africa CDC framework outlines a step-by-step approach for countries, emphasizing the importance of legal mandates, governance, workforce development, logistics, and monitoring systems. By setting clear operational and management standards, the framework aims to transform NPHIs into regional centres of excellence capable of handling both routine public health functions and emergency responses.
Globally, NPHIs have proven essential for improving national health outcomes and responding to crises, from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disasters. By providing a structured model for African countries, Africa CDC hopes to encourage investment in public health institutions that will serve as the backbone of national and continental health security.
Experts say that strengthening NPHIs is crucial for Africa’s long-term health resilience, enabling countries to respond quickly to emerging threats, reduce disease burden, and improve overall population well-being. The Africa CDC framework is seen as a roadmap to ensure that every African nation is equipped to meet these goals efficiently and sustainably.
