Museveni pledges support to Africa CDC’s public health agenda

President Museveni has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to strengthening public health systems across Africa, particularly in disease control and prevention.
The President made this statement during a meeting with Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), held at State House in Entebbe.
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The discussions, which also involved officials from Uganda's Ministry of Health, centered on mitigating public health outbreaks like Mpox, expanding local vaccine production, and enhancing the African laboratory system.
President Museveni acknowledged the historical challenges faced by Uganda's pharmaceutical industry but expressed optimism that collaboration with Africa CDC would stimulate growth.
“We have been struggling with medicine production, especially with one of our oldest factories, Quality Chemicals. They have faced challenges in exporting to Zambia and East Africa, but your plan of offtake agreements will help stimulate production across Africa,” President Museveni said.
The meeting also focused on bolstering Africa’s health workforce and improving community health systems to better manage disease threats.
Dr. Kaseya lauded Uganda's efforts and reiterated Africa CDC’s commitment to work with local manufacturers to ensure sustainable vaccine production and distribution across the continent.
Dr. Kaseya, commended Museveni for his leadership in advocating for Africa-led public health solutions.
He highlighted President Museveni’s deep understanding of the continent's health challenges and his longstanding call for Africa’s autonomy in addressing public health issues.
Dr. Kaseya emphasised that Africa CDC’s mission to strengthen the continent’s public health capacity was inspired by leaders like President Museveni, who had championed the need for an Africa-centered approach.
“Your Excellency, I recall your call for an African-led public health organization at a time when the continent was heavily reliant on external support. Under your leadership, we are now focused on building autonomy to handle our health challenges,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Dr. Kaseya expressed his deep appreciation for Uganda’s role in supporting Africa CDC’s efforts and noted the importance of engaging with African leaders to advance the continent’s health security.
He underscored that Africa faces severe threats from pandemics and other health crises, which necessitate a coordinated, continent-wide response.
“Africa is dealing with deadly outbreaks that can claim many lives in a short time. To overcome these challenges, we need strong leadership and self-sufficiency, which your vision has continuously promoted,” Dr. Kaseya added.
The meeting between President Museveni, Dr. Kaseya, and health officials comes at a crucial time, as Africa CDC intensifies its efforts to mitigate disease outbreaks, enhance local vaccine production, and improve health systems across the region.
Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, praised the Africa CDC) for its role in coordinating the fight against disease outbreaks across the continent.
Dr. Aceng expressed gratitude for the creation of Africa CDC as a vital body in strengthening Africa's public health response.
She highlighted the importance of the organization in coordinating health responses within East Africa and beyond, citing its contributions to managing regional health challenges.