CDC partners with African Union to launch African CDC

Secretary of State John Kerry today signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Union Commission to create an African CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today. “The West African Ebola epidemic reaffirmed the need for a public health institute to support African ministries of health and other health agencies in their efforts to prevent, detect and respond to any disease outbreak,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “This memorandum solidifies the commitment by the United States to advance public health across Africa and global health security.” The African CDC is slated to launch later this year with the creation of an African surveillance and response unit, which will provide technical expertise and response coordination during emergencies. The U.S. CDC will provide technical expertise and strategic planning advice, and support fellowships for 10 African epidemiologists to help staff African CDC regional centers.