Africa CDC Appoints Saran Koly as New Communications Director

Michael Gwarisa

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed Saran Koly as its new Director of Communications and Public Information, bringing to the role more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, public health advocacy, media relations and stakeholder engagement across Africa and globally.

At Africa CDC, Koly will oversee communications and public information, working closely with the institution’s leadership, technical divisions, Regional Coordinating Centres and partners to strengthen engagement across Africa and globally.

Koly joins an established communications and public information team that has played a key role in raising Africa CDC’s visibility and amplifying public health messaging across the continent.

Before joining Africa CDC, she held senior communications positions at UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR, UNDP, Transparency International, Africa50 and Equal Measures 2030, among other international organisations.

She began her career as an international journalist and reporter, a background that has shaped her editorial judgment, understanding of media ecosystems and ability to engage diverse audiences through compelling storytelling.

In her new role, Koly will oversee communications and public information for Africa CDC, working closely with the institution’s leadership, technical divisions, Regional Coordinating Centres and development partners to enhance the agency’s visibility, stakeholder engagement and strategic positioning across Africa and globally.

Her appointment is expected to further strengthen Africa CDC’s efforts to communicate public health priorities, disease outbreak responses and health security initiatives to governments, partners, media organisations and communities across the continent.

A multilingual communications expert, Koly is bilingual in French and English and is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Her extensive international experience and pan-African outlook are expected to support Africa CDC’s growing mandate as the continent navigates evolving public health challenges.

Africa CDC has increasingly become a central institution in coordinating continental responses to disease outbreaks, strengthening health systems and promoting public health preparedness across African Union member states. Koly’s appointment comes as the organisation seeks to further expand its reach and influence through strategic communications and public engagement.