On Apr. 11, 2025, Africa’s top public health institution announced it is planning to tap more funds from domestic sources to protect the gains made over the past two decades in epidemic preparedness and response, following a steep decline in external support.

Since the decline of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa by 70% over the past few years, one thing has become abundantly clear: there is a gap in health funding, putting pressure on already fragile health systems.

Historically, ODA has been instrumental in achieving a 50% reduction in under-five mortality between 1990 and 2019, expanding routine immunization coverage, and supporting HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs that now provide antiretroviral therapy to over 18 million people across Africa. It also enabled rapid responses to major health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The contraction in funding coincides with a rise in disease outbreaks. Between 2022 and 2024, the continent witnessed a 40% increase in reported public health emergencies. Concerns also persist about the return of viral haemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg, while climate shocks — ranging from floods to heatwaves — are fueling new health risks, often in regions least equipped to respond.

To support the mobilization of domestic funding and the pursuit of new financing models, Africa CDC is requesting USD 43 million. The fund will enable the successful execution of the plans to ensure measurable progress toward sustainable health financing across the continent.