In a move to bolster international health preparedness, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) aimed at deepening collaboration on global health security, infectious disease control, and public health capacity development. The agreement was signed simultaneously in Addis Ababa and Tokyo on 5?March?2026, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to preventing and responding to emerging health threats.
The cooperation framework establishes a structured partnership that will enhance joint efforts in disease surveillance, early warning systems, laboratory and research capacity, and coordinated emergency responses. It also includes plans to support public health workforce development through structured training programmes, institutional exchanges, and technical collaboration — creating stronger foundations for resilient health institutions across Africa and beyond.
Dr?Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, said the agreement reflects a shared understanding that “health threats cross borders, and preparedness depends on strong partnerships.” He emphasized that the collaboration with JIHS will not only strengthen scientific cooperation but also reinforce public health institutions and workforce capacity, thereby accelerating collective abilities to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies.
The partnership will also integrate a One Health approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. This focus is critical for tackling complex challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate?related health risks, which have the potential to spread rapidly without effective cross?sectoral strategies.
Professor Dr?Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS, highlighted the institute’s multifaceted capabilities, noting that JIHS was established to unify expertise in infectious disease intelligence, research and development, clinical practice, and international cooperation. He expressed optimism that the partnership with Africa CDC would expand joint research efforts, bolster workforce development initiatives, and foster practical cooperation that contributes substantively to regional and global health security.
The cooperation agreement aligns with Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023?2027) and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, which prioritizes building strong, self?reliant public health systems capable of addressing endemic and epidemic threats across the continent. Under the partnership, both institutions will work through a Joint Action Plan that sets out priority activities, timelines and implementation mechanisms.
As infectious diseases continue to evolve and spread, international partnerships like this one lay the groundwork for stronger, more adaptive health systems in Africa and around the world.
Photo courtesy / CDC
Article by Jed Mwangi
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