REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN MANAGING DISEASES IN AFRICA: CASE STUDY OF AFRICAN CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of regional organizations in managing diseases in Africa, with a focus on the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). In response to the continent’s persistent public health challenges—including recurring epidemics, under-resourced health systems, and fragmented responses—the Africa CDC was established in 2017 as a specialized agency of the African Union (AU) to coordinate disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health systems strengthening. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on secondary data from policy documents, scholarly articles, and Africa CDC reports. The findings reveal that Africa CDC has significantly contributed to improved disease surveillance systems, coordinated pandemic responses such as during COVID-19, and enhanced regional collaboration. However, it continues to face critical challenges, including limited funding, overreliance on external donors, political instability, and infrastructural weaknesses across member states. The study concludes that while the Africa CDC has proven to be a transformative actor in regional health governance, achieving its full potential requires greater political commitment, domestic investment, and institutional strengthening.