China, Korea Send $4M to Africa CDC as U.S. Cuts Funding

BREAKING NEWSFebruary 21, 2025 at 10:36 AM UTC

TLDR

China and South Korea have provided $4 million to Africa CDC to help address funding shortfalls caused by U.S. aid reductions
The U.S. had initially pledged $500 million to the agency but cut its commitment to $385 million
Africa relies on external sources for 84% of its healthcare funding

China and South Korea have provided $4 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to help address funding shortfalls caused by U.S. aid reductions.

The U.S. had initially pledged $500 million to the agency but cut its commitment to $385 million, leaving a significant gap, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said Thursday.

Africa relies on external sources for 84% of its healthcare funding, and the shortfall has prompted Africa CDC to engage with the U.S. government, private sector partners, and African nations. The agency has also launched an African Epidemic Fund, consolidating leftover Covid-19 funds to provide immediate resources for outbreak response and health system resilience.

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Key Takeaways

The funding cuts highlight Africa’s vulnerability to external aid shifts. With the U.S. scaling back, Africa CDC is seeking alternative funding sources to maintain public health security. A new mpox vaccine tech transfer agreement between Bavarian Nordic A/S and an unnamed African company signals growing efforts to localize vaccine production. If successful, this initiative could strengthen Africa’s pharmaceutical industry and reduce reliance on imports. While external support remains crucial, Africa CDC’s push for local fundraising and manufacturing reflects a broader shift toward self-sufficiency in healthcare financing and epidemic response.

Africa

Healthcare

USAID

Africa CDC

China

South Africa