Africa calls for new public health order

The African Union Commission and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have called on governments, multilateral organisations, philanthropies, the private sector, and civil society organisations to support the full implementation of Africa’s New Public Health Order to drive global health security.

The request for support was made at a series of events leading up to the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

In a statement issued on September 29, 2022, the Africa CDC said the New Public Health Order for Africa is a roadmap to sustainable health outcomes and health security. It is defined by five pillars:

1. Strong African Public Health Institutions that represent African priorities in global health governance and that drive progress on key health indicators;
2. Expanded Manufacturing of Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics to democratize access to life-saving medicines and equipment;
3. Investment in Public Health Workforce and Leadership Programs to ensure Africa has the workforce it needs to address health threats;
4. Increased Domestic Investment in Health, including the domestic mobilization of financial resources, human capital, technical resources, and networks; and
5. Respectful, Action-Oriented Partnerships to advance vaccine manufacturing, health workforce development, and strong public health institutions.