Tensions between the old guard and the new have hindered health emergency responses across the African continent — sometimes leading to inefficiencies, wasted time and resources, conflicting messages, and confusion.
For decades, the World Health Organization has responded to health emergencies through its country offices and long-standing relationships with ministries of health.
But in 2017, the African Union launched the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to give African nations greater ownership over ensuring the health of their populations and ensure heightened continental collaboration. In recent years, the organization has taken on increased responsibility and leadership.
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About the author
Sara Jervingsarajerving
Sara Jerving is a Senior Reporter at Devex, where she covers global health. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, VICE News, and Bloomberg News among others. Sara holds a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism where she was a Lorana Sullivan fellow. She was a finalist for One World Media's Digital Media Award in 2021; a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists in 2018; and she was part of a VICE News Tonight on HBO team that received an Emmy nomination in 2018. She received the Philip Greer Memorial Award from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 2014.
