Africa CDC and IOM have strengthened health security across Africa through a new Cooperative Agreement aimed at improving the continent’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to emerging public health threats.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) will collaborate from 2026 to 2028, combining IOM’s operational expertise in assisting migrants, displaced communities, and mobile populations with Africa CDC’s leadership in regional public health.
The agreement comes at a time when infectious disease outbreaks, climate-related hazards, humanitarian crises, and growing cross-border population movements are all contributing factors to Africa’s ongoing complicated health concerns.
As diseases rapidly spread between nations via trade, travel, and migration, health officials around the continent have frequently emphasised the need for more regional coordination. By assisting African Union Member States in enhancing readiness, fortifying disease surveillance systems, and increasing access to critical healthcare services, the new cooperation framework aims to address these issues.
In accordance with the agreement, Africa CDC and IOM will collaborate to assist nations in developing more robust public health systems that can promptly address health emergencies while guaranteeing that vulnerable groups are not left out of preventative and treatment initiatives.
According to Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, “Health threats move across borders. Africa’s response must move together.”
“This partnership strengthens our collective ability to anticipate risks, coordinate action and support Member States with stronger surveillance, preparedness and emergency response.
“It advances Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda through practical cooperation that protects lives and strengthens public health systems across the continent.”
Dr Jean Kaseya
The alliance expands upon previous cooperation between the two groups, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, when governments throughout Africa encountered significant difficulties in controlling the spread of illness, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and sustaining vital health services.
By concentrating on long-term health system strengthening, especially in regions where population mobility increases public health challenges, the new agreement broadens collaboration beyond emergency response.
At Points of Entry (PoEs), such as airports, border crossings, and other places where health hazards may arise and spread, the Africa CDC and IOM will collaborate to enhance disease surveillance and bolster health precautions.
The organisations hope to assist nations in identifying epidemics earlier and coordinating quicker responses before illnesses become more serious public health emergencies by enhancing early warning systems and information-sharing procedures.
Partnership Targets Migrant Health, Emergency Preparedness and Stronger Systems
A major focus of the Africa CDC and IOM partnership will be expanding equitable access to healthcare services for populations affected by migration and displacement.
The two organisations will support programmes designed to improve access to primary healthcare, immunisation and disease prevention services while strengthening national strategies that consider the health needs of mobile populations.
The agreement recognises that migration and displacement are closely connected to public health outcomes, particularly in regions affected by conflict, climate change, economic pressures and humanitarian emergencies.
Joint programmes will also strengthen Africa’s public health workforce through specialised training, technical support and rapid-response deployment. Health workers will receive additional support to improve their ability to manage outbreaks, conduct surveillance and respond effectively during emergencies.
The partnership will further help governments integrate mobility, displacement and climate-related health risks into national preparedness plans, disease control strategies and broader health policies.
Climate change has become an increasing concern for African health systems, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events and changing environmental conditions contributing to the spread of certain diseases and increasing pressure on healthcare infrastructure.
Through cooperation on climate and One Health approaches, Africa CDC and IOM aim to support countries in addressing health risks linked to humans, animals and the environment.
The organisations will also focus on strengthening sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure that countries can maintain preparedness efforts and respond effectively to future emergencies.
According to Frantz Celestin, Regional Director for East, Horn and Southern Africa at IOM, “stronger public health systems are essential to protecting communities regardless of where people live or move.”
“This partnership strengthens countries’ capacity to prepare for health emergencies, improve cross-border collaboration and expand access to essential health services for migrants, displaced populations and border communities across Africa.”
Frantz Celestin
The agreement represents a long-term commitment by both organisations to support African Union Member States in developing more resilient health systems and improving continental health security.
Africa has experienced several major health emergencies in recent years, including Ebola outbreaks, COVID-19 and recurring disease outbreaks linked to environmental and social challenges. These experiences have increased calls for stronger regional cooperation and locally led solutions.
By combining Africa CDC’s goal to improve continental public health capacity with IOM’s expertise in migratory health and humanitarian operations, the cooperation aims to provide a more coordinated approach to community protection.
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