The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed their first memorandum of understanding (MoU), strengthening cooperation on health security between Europe and Africa.

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by ECDC Director Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner and Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya during a two-day visit by ECDC representatives.

According to the organisations, the MoU formalises more than a decade of collaboration and establishes a framework for enhanced joint work on disease surveillance, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness and response. It also includes cooperation on antimicrobial resistance, vaccine-preventable diseases, and emerging and re-emerging health threats, alongside data analytics, modelling, laboratory capabilities, workforce development, and public health training.

Dr Rendi-Wagner said: “This first memorandum of understanding between ECDC and Africa CDC represents a significant step forward for European, African, and global health security. Strong partnerships and close cooperation are essential to address the current and emerging global health challenges we jointly face.”

Dr Kaseya added: “Infectious diseases do not respect borders … Through this partnership with ECDC, we are strengthening the core capacities that matter most for health security.”

The agreement follows the completion of a five-year partnership project funded by the European Commission and precedes a new collaboration beginning in May 2026 focused on antimicrobial resistance and the One Health approach.

Africa emerged as the fastest-growing region for tourism in 2025, with arrivals rising 8%, driven largely by North Africa.