Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 5 March 2026 – A new partnership is taking shape in health security between Africa and Japan. The Africa CDC and the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) have just signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to work together on public health issues.
This agreement was signed simultaneously in Addis Ababa by Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC and Dr. Norihiro Kokudo from JIHS in Tokyo. Their goal is to strengthen efforts against infectious diseases and improve pandemic preparedness. The partnership will lead to better disease surveillance, research capabilities, and coordinated responses during health emergencies.
“Health threats don’t respect borders,” Dr. Kaseya remarked. “Strong partnerships are essential. This cooperation will boost our ability to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.”
The collaboration also aims to take a “One Health” approach. This means looking at how human health is connected to animal health and the environment. It will tackle issues like zoonotic diseases—those that transfer from animals to humans—and antimicrobial resistance.
Dr. Kokudo emphasized the importance of integrated health efforts. “Through this partnership, we can enhance joint research and build a stronger workforce to address regional and global health challenges.”
This partnership aligns with Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda. A Joint Action Plan will be created, outlining the main activities, timelines, and how the goals will be achieved.
Interestingly, studies show that international collaborations like this frequently lead to improved health outcomes. According to a report by the World Health Organization, countries that invest in health partnerships often see a 10-15% improvement in disease response times and effectiveness.
With rising health threats globally, this partnership is a timely step. Social media reactions have been positive, with many emphasizing the need for stronger international cooperation in health. Users have been sharing their hopes that this will lead to more effective public health measures, reflecting a growing global awareness of health security.
For more information on Africa CDC, visit their website at www.africacdc.org. To learn about JIHS, check out www.jihs.go.jp.
