The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has raised fresh concerns over new health financing agreements being negotiated between the United States and several African governments.
Speaking during an online briefing, Africa CDC Director-General, Jean Kaseya, pointed to unresolved questions surrounding data governance and the sharing of biological samples under the proposed arrangements. He noted that transparency and equitable safeguards remain critical issues for African countries entering into such partnerships.
The remarks come amid reports that some nations have expressed reservations about the terms of their proposed agreements. Zimbabwe recently stepped away from negotiations over a multi-year funding package, citing concerns about fairness and the handling of sensitive health information. Zambia has also indicated that it sought revisions to aspects of its own draft agreement.
At the centre of the debate is a provision requiring countries to rapidly share information about pathogens that could pose epidemic risks, as part of the conditions for receiving U.S. health support. Critics argue that while the agreements require swift data exchange, they do not clearly guarantee access to vaccines or treatments that may be developed from that shared information.
The funding framework reflects broader changes in how Washington distributes global health assistance. The current U.S. administration has shifted toward bilateral arrangements and restructured elements of its international aid system, emphasizing national interest and direct engagement with partner countries.
Kaseya said that although he initially welcomed reforms aimed at channeling more resources directly to African states and encouraging domestic co-investment, Africa CDC would not formally participate in the negotiations, citing respect for national sovereignty.
He added, however, that the agency remains available to provide technical guidance to member states that request support, whether in renegotiating terms or implementing finalized agreements.
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