The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to the organisation’s Director-General, Jean Kaseya.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Monday by Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC.
According to Edwin, the appointment is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity as the organisation advances key continental health priorities.
Edwin explained that the appointment aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, which focuses on strengthening Africa’s influence in global health matters.
She said the initiative also seeks to increase domestic financing for health systems and expand local production of health commodities across the continent.
Osinbajo is expected to provide strategic advice on Africa’s role in global health governance reforms.
According to the statement, the former vice-president will advise on issues including sustainable health financing, local manufacturing of medical products, and strategic partnerships to strengthen Africa’s health resilience.
Edwin said his role would support efforts to build stronger cooperation among African countries in tackling public health challenges.
“This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development,” she said.
She added that Osinbajo’s background in governance and public policy would contribute significantly to strengthening health systems across African Union member states.
The statement noted that Osinbajo’s expertise would be particularly valuable in areas such as pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
Africa CDC is currently expanding efforts to improve the continent’s ability to respond effectively to health emergencies.
Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023.
During his tenure, he played a key role in policy and governance reforms within the country.
Before becoming vice-president, Osinbajo served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he was involved in legal and institutional reforms.
He also chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, led reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, and helped advance the country’s social investment programmes while coordinating major economic policies across multiple sectors.