The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as a senior strategic adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya.
According to a statement released on Monday and obtained by Politics Nigeria, the appointment comes at a crucial time as the agency advances the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.
The AHSS initiative aims to increase Africa’s voice in global health matters, improve domestic funding for healthcare, speed up local production of medical supplies, and strengthen health systems across the continent to respond more effectively to pandemics.
Kaseya noted that the former vice-president brings a wealth of expertise to the position.
“Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy,” he said.
“At a time when Africa must act with greater ambition and authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable
“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.”
In his new capacity, Osinbajo will provide guidance on Africa’s role in reshaping global health systems, sustainable healthcare financing, local production of medical goods, strategic collaborations, and policy direction for both Africa CDC and the African Union.
Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023. Earlier in his career, he was attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.
While in office, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, spearheaded reforms to improve the ease of doing business through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, and contributed significantly to the implementation of the country’s social investment programmes.
