Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Jean Kaseya has raised significant concerns about recent U.S. health financing agreements with African countries, particularly around data governance and pathogen sharing, according to Reuters.
Speaking at a virtual briefing, Kaseya noted there are “huge concerns regarding data, regarding pathogen sharing” in these bilateral deals, which are part of the U.S. administration’s expanded global health funding strategy. He warned that African countries could be required to share sensitive pathogen and health data with the U.S. as a condition of receiving funding, without clear guarantees that resulting vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments would be equitably accessible to the countries providing the data, Investing.com noted.
The remarks follow pushback from several African governments. Zimbabwe pulled out of negotiations on a proposed $367 million U.S. health agreement, citing concerns over the sharing of sensitive health data and describing the deal as “unequal.” Zambia has also delayed signing its own agreement, questioning terms that could affect national interests, including provisions on data and related medical resources, Economic Times reported.
Kaseya said he initially supported the U.S. approach, which promised direct funding combined with co-investment from partner governments, but ultimately chose to decline Africa CDC’s observer role to respect national sovereignty. He emphasized that the agency remains ready to advise countries that seek support in renegotiating terms or implementing any agreements they do sign.
The situation underscores ongoing debates in Africa about sovereignty, data rights, and equitable access to medical innovations as nations engage with international health funders, highlighting the need for transparency and fair partnership terms.
Image Credit: africacdc.org
