The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as senior strategic adviser to Director-General Jean Kaseya, as the agency steps up efforts to strengthen the continent’s health systems.

The appointment comes as Africa CDC advances its Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda, aimed at enhancing Africa’s role in global health governance, expanding domestic health financing, and boosting local manufacturing of medical supplies.

“Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy,” Kaseya said. “At a time when Africa must act with greater ambition and authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable.”

In the advisory role, Osinbajo will support Africa CDC and the African Union on global health policy positioning, sustainable financing, strategic partnerships, and the development of resilient health systems for pandemic preparedness.

Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023, previously held roles as attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State. He also led key economic and social reform initiatives, including chairing Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee and overseeing business environment reforms.

The move underscores Africa CDC’s push to leverage high-level African leadership in addressing health challenges and shaping the continent’s response to future global health crises.