A transformative initiative aims to enhance epidemic preparedness across the continent.
Kigali, Rwanda – The Ministry of Health, through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), has launched the Africa Health Security Accelerator (AHSA), a new initiative designed to enhance Africa’s epidemic preparedness and health security. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving leading global health partners and aims to address critical gaps in the continent’s pandemic response capabilities.
The launch was marked by a three-day co-creation workshop hosted by RBC, which brought together experts from various organizations, including Jhpiego, Africa CDC, Johns Hopkins University, BioPrevail, and Villgro Africa. The workshop focused on identifying operational and coordination gaps in Africa’s pandemic preparedness and response systems.
Addressing Epidemic Threats
Africa faces nearly 30 percent of the world’s epidemic threats, yet it continues to struggle with challenges such as fragmented surveillance systems, limited biosafety infrastructure, and a shortage of health workers trained to respond to epidemics. Recent health crises have highlighted the need for a more cohesive approach to epidemic preparedness.
The AHSA aims to tackle these issues by fostering collaboration, innovation, and the rapid deployment of solutions for epidemic intelligence, biosafety, biosecurity, and health research across the continent. By leveraging advanced technologies, including AI-driven analytics and genomic surveillance, the initiative seeks to create a self-reliant and rapid-response ecosystem for epidemic preparedness in Africa.
Leadership and Governance
The operational management of the AHSA will be overseen by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre in collaboration with Jhpiego. Currently in its formative phase, a multi-institutional task force is working on refining the governance and operational framework of the initiative. This includes strategies for engaging member states, mobilizing resources, and defining key focus areas to achieve measurable outcomes.
“Our greatest strength lies in collaboration,” stated Prof. Muvunyi Mambo Claude, Director General of RBC. He emphasized that the AHSA represents a continental call to action aimed at building resilient health systems that protect lives and secure the future of the continent.
Proactive Health Security
Dr. Merawi Aragaw, Head of Surveillance and Disease Intelligence Division at Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of creating an environment conducive to innovation rather than waiting for disasters to drive improvements in health security architecture. He commended the RBC and its partners for their proactive approach in launching the AHSA.
Dr. Virgile Kikaya, Technical Director for Global Health Security at Jhpiego, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, noting that Jhpiego has a proven track record in facilitating coalitions of diverse partners and managing impactful health security accelerators.
As Africa enhances its capacity to prevent and respond to health threats, the AHSA represents a significant step towards a coordinated, technology-driven, and sustainable health security ecosystem. This initiative not only prepares the continent for future epidemics but also positions Africa as a leader in shaping the global health resilience agenda.
About the Partners
Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) is a key implementing agency of the Rwandan Ministry of Health, established in 2011 to integrate health service delivery and improve coordination. RBC focuses on enhancing the health of the Rwandan population through various programs, diagnostic services, and research initiatives.
Jhpiego is an international non-profit organization that develops practical solutions to improve healthcare for women, children, and communities. It collaborates with governments and communities to implement innovative health solutions that save lives.
Villgro Africa is an incubator and impact investor that supports emerging healthcare businesses in Africa, providing tailored incubation experiences to help scale innovative ideas within the continent’s startup ecosystem.
Key Points
- AHSA aims to enhance Africa's epidemic preparedness and health security.
- The initiative addresses critical gaps in pandemic response capabilities.
- Collaboration with global health partners is central to AHSA's strategy.
- Advanced technologies will be leveraged for epidemic intelligence and biosafety.
- RBC and Jhpiego will oversee the operational management of AHSA.
