Africa CDC, Japan Institute for Health Security sign agreement to strengthen global health security

The agreement was simultaneouly signed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Addis Ababa by Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and in Tokyo by Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS.

According to a statement released by Africa CDC, the agreement establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation to address emerging and re-emerging public health threats and to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

The partnership will promote closer collaboration in infectious disease surveillance and early warning systems, laboratory and research capacity, and coordinated responses to public health emergencies.

It will also support workforce development through structured training programs, institutional exchanges, and technical collaboration aimed at strengthening resilient public health institutions.

“Health threats cross borders, and preparedness depends on strong partnerships,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “This cooperation with JIHS will strengthen scientific collaboration, reinforce public health institutions and workforce capacity, and accelerate our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks.”

The collaboration will also advance One Health and climate-resilient approaches to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other emerging risks.

“JIHS was established as an integrated national institution combining infectious disease intelligence, research and development, clinical expertise, and international cooperation,” said Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS. “Through this partnership with Africa CDC, we look forward to expanding joint research, strengthening workforce development, and building practical collaboration that contributes to regional and global health security.”

The cooperation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening science-based preparedness and fostering mutual learning between institutions, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from Africa and Japan.

It also supports Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and theAfrica Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda. The partners will operationalize the agreement through a Joint Action Plan that will define priority activities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms.