The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s response to pressing public health challenges.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Communication, Margaret Edwin, who said the decision forms part of broader efforts to reinforce Africa’s leadership role in global health governance.
According to the statement, Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on critical areas such as global health reforms, sustainable healthcare financing, expansion of local pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing, and the development of high-level partnerships to improve health systems across the continent.
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The role is closely tied to the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, an initiative designed to enhance the continent’s preparedness for pandemics while increasing its influence in global health decision-making processes.
Africa CDC noted that Osinbajo’s extensive experience in governance, law, economic policy, and international diplomacy positions him to make meaningful contributions to ongoing efforts aimed at building resilient and self-sufficient healthcare systems in Africa.
During his tenure as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, Osinbajo played a key role in shaping economic and social policies, including chairing the Economic Sustainability Committee and leading recovery initiatives during periods of economic strain.
His new advisory role is expected to support African Union member states in strengthening disease prevention strategies, improving emergency response systems, and advancing long-term healthcare planning across the region.
