UNFPA and Africa CDC sign landmark partnership to promote women’s health and innovation

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration on women’s and adolescents’ health, innovation, and data-driven policymaking across Africa.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the African Union Summit 2026 by UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita and Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya. The partnership seeks to accelerate progress toward universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), while promoting resilient and equitable health systems through innovation and strategic investment.

Under the MoU, the two organizations will work together to scale health innovations, improve policy coordination, and expand access to essential services and technologies. The collaboration will focus on adolescent, maternal, and reproductive health, including initiatives to localize manufacturing and strengthen pooled procurement mechanisms for Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) products.

Speaking at the signing, Keita emphasized the importance of innovation and equity in delivering quality healthcare for women and girls, while Kaseya highlighted the role of women’s health in building resilient communities and strengthening Africa’s health security architecture.

The partnership builds on previous collaboration between UNFPA and Africa CDC, including joint efforts to promote African-led innovation ecosystems. Both organizations also plan to mobilize resources, engage the private sector, and support blended finance models to drive sustainable investment in women’s health.

Key areas of cooperation include advancing research and development, strengthening digital health systems, enhancing workforce capacity, promoting data-driven decision-making, and improving sustainable access to health products across the continent.