By Michael Gwarisa in Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged African journalists to play a more active role in combating disease outbreaks and the growing threat of health misinformation, as the second continental media roundtable workshop opened today in Addis Ababa.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the media’s unique ability to influence public perception and promote accurate health information across the continent.
You shape narratives, fight misinformation, and connect institutions like Africa CDC with the people we serve,” said Dr. Tajudeen. “This workshop is not just a training session—it’s a strategic partnership to advance public health in Africa.”
The three-day workshop takes place against the backdrop of rising public health threats, including Mpox, Marburg virus, and Ebola outbreaks. Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden of global disease outbreaks, with cases increasing by 40% over the past two years, from 152 in 2022 to 213 in 2024.
A central theme of the workshop is the fight against “infodemics,” or the rapid spread of misinformation that hinders effective outbreak response. The Mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security in August 2024, has been a particularly challenging case.
“Mpox is often confused with diseases like measles and chickenpox,” said Dr. Tajudeen. “In such scenarios, clear and accurate communication is essential, and the media’s role becomes even more critical.”
Journalists attending the workshop will explore a broad range of topics, including the role of genomics in disease surveillance, the pillars of the New Public Health Order, and Africa CDC’s five-year strategic plan to build resilient, self-sustaining health systems.
Also under discussion is the agency’s newly launched flagship report on health financing, which comes amid declining donor support. Africa CDC is calling on member states to honor the Abuja Declaration by allocating at least 15% of national budgets to health. Among the proposed alternative financing mechanisms are solidarity levies on airline tickets, alcohol, and mobile services.
Dr. Fatima Osman, an Event-Based Surveillance Analyst at Africa CDC, stressed the need to build national capacity for early detection and rapid response to disease threats.
“Africa records over 100 major outbreaks each year,” said Dr. Osman. “Our mission is to help member states detect, control, and prevent public health emergencies early, and to respond to them swiftly and effectively.”
Africa CDC’s mandate spans all 55 member states, with a focus on strengthening public health institutions and systems. Another critical area the workshop is examining is the agency’s push for local manufacturing of vaccines and medical supplies, a step toward reducing Africa’s dependency on external suppliers during health crises.
Margaret Muigai Edwin, Director of Communications at Africa CDC, explained that the agency operates under a suite of strategic frameworks that guide its work.
“We’re aligned with Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want,’ which focuses on the continent’s socio-economic development,” she said. “We also follow the New Public Health Order, the Africa Health Strategy, and the Lusaka Agenda, which addresses the reduction in official development assistance. In addition, we champion local manufacturing initiatives to build our own capacity.”
