Oluwatobi Adu 
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention appoints Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Advisor to its Director-General, strengthening leadership as the agency advances Africa’s health security agenda.
The announcement, made on Monday, positions Osinbajo to support Director-General Jean Kaseya in driving policy, financing and health system reforms across the continent.
The agency says the appointment comes at a critical time as it pushes for expanded domestic health financing, local production of medical supplies and stronger pandemic preparedness systems.
“Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy,” Kaseya says.
Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023, previously led key economic reforms and chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee.
He also played a central role in ease-of-doing-business initiatives and national social investment programmes.
Africa CDC says the move reflects its commitment to mobilising high-level African leadership to strengthen health sovereignty and resilience.
Experts note that leadership capacity remains crucial as African countries confront rising health threats and funding gaps.
The agency reiterates its focus on building sustainable systems capable of responding to future health emergencies while reducing dependence on external support.
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