The African continent’s public health system has reached a new milestone after Africa CDC secured approval to act as an Implementing Entity of the Pandemic Fund, giving it direct authority to access and manage funding meant for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response across Africa.
In an update on Thursday, Africa CDC said the decision was made by the Pandemic Fund Governing Board following a recommendation from its Accreditation Panel. The agency described the approval as a key step toward improving Africa’s health security and expanding African-led financing for public health programmes.
The accreditation places Africa CDC in a rare category of institutions allowed to directly handle Pandemic Fund resources. It also makes it the first African Union institution and the first continental public health body in the world to receive Implementing Entity status. In addition, it becomes only the second African institution, after the African Development Bank, to be granted this designation.
According to the agency, the new status will allow it to directly access, manage, and deploy funds to support health projects across member states.
“This accreditation places Africa CDC among a select group of institutions authorised to directly access, manage and deploy Pandemic Fund resources.”
The approval follows a detailed assessment of Africa CDC’s internal systems, including governance, financial controls, technical ability, accountability structures, and safeguards.
“The decision follows a rigorous assessment of Africa CDC’s governance framework, fiduciary systems, technical capabilities, accountability mechanisms, environmental and social safeguards, and institutional capacity to deliver impact at scale,” the agency highlighted.
Africa CDC linked the achievement to reforms introduced since 2023 under its Director General Dr Jean Kaseya, as part of the “New Deal for Africa CDC” transformation agenda. The reforms focused on improving governance, transparency, accountability, financial management, and operational systems.
The agency said the changes strengthened budgeting processes, internal controls, risk management, compliance systems, and oversight mechanisms, while also improving its ability to manage large-scale international funding.
The accreditation confirms that Africa CDC meets global standards required to manage pooled financing and oversee large health programmes. It is expected to improve how resources are delivered to support African Union member states in responding to disease outbreaks.
Dr Kaseya welcomed the development, calling it a key moment for the institution and the continent.
“This accreditation is a historic achievement for Africa CDC, our Member States and our collective vision of a stronger, more self-reliant Africa,” said Dr Kaseya.
“It is a strong vote of confidence in Africa CDC’s governance, fiduciary systems, technical excellence, and accountability. We now have a greater responsibility to demonstrate that African institutions can deliver transformative results for the people of Africa.”
Established in 2017 and later granted autonomous status by the African Union in 2022, Africa CDC is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and operates through five regional coordinating centres across the continent.
The agency says the accreditation comes at a time when African countries continue to face recurring disease outbreaks, and it will help strengthen preparedness, prevention, and response systems across the region.