The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build stronger health systems across Africa. The agreement was made during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2025.
Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, and Dr Mario Santos Moreira, President of Fiocruz, signed the partnership. This new cooperation aims to improve health innovation, local manufacturing, research, and preparedness in African countries.
The partnership will help strengthen National Public Health Institutes and expand disease surveillance using the One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health. It also focuses on increasing local production of vaccines and essential health products to reduce Africa’s dependency on imports. Currently, the continent produces only about 1% of the vaccines it needs.
Fiocruz is the largest biomedical research institution in Latin America. It supports Brazil’s public health system by producing vaccines and medicines. The foundation also offers expertise in research, workforce training, and health technology manufacturing. Through this partnership, Fiocruz and Africa CDC will share knowledge on health financing, social development, and building resilient public health systems.
A Joint Action Plan will guide the partnership’s work, with technical groups coordinating projects, monitoring progress, and sharing results. While there is no immediate funding involved, both parties will seek resources and partners to support their goals.
Africa CDC is already working to boost vaccine production through the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM). By 2030, several African-produced vaccines are expected to gain World Health Organization prequalification and reach the market.
Health and economic challenges could push millions in Africa into poverty by 2030, threatening the continent’s stability. Africa CDC is responding with strategies focused on domestic resource mobilization, innovative financing, and blended finance to secure Africa’s health future.
The Africa CDC is a public health agency of the African Union that helps member states improve health systems and disease control. Fiocruz, founded in 1900 and part of Brazil’s Ministry of Health, promotes health through scientific research and supports Brazil’s public health system.
