April 07, (THEWILL) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya, in a move to strengthen leadership capacity and accelerate continental health reforms.
The announcement was made on Monday by Margaret Edwin, the Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC, who described the development as a significant step toward reinforcing Africa’s health systems and advancing its strategic priorities.
According to Edwin, Osinbajo’s appointment aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, a framework designed to amplify Africa’s voice in global health governance, boost domestic health financing, and expand the local production of critical health commodities across the continent.
She noted that in his new role, Osinbajo would provide high-level advisory support on Africa’s positioning within global health architecture reforms, while also offering guidance on sustainable health financing, strengthening regional manufacturing capacity, and fostering strategic partnerships to improve health outcomes.
Edwin emphasised that the former vice-president brings a wealth of experience across governance, finance, law, and diplomacy, describing his appointment as timely as Africa intensifies efforts to take greater control of its health future.
“This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development”, she said.
She added that Osinbajo’s deep expertise in public policy and governance would support ongoing efforts to build resilient health systems across African Union member states, particularly in the areas of pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
Observers say the move underscores Africa CDC’s determination to leverage experienced African leaders in addressing pressing public health challenges, including disease outbreaks, fragile healthcare infrastructure, and heavy reliance on imported medical supplies.
THEWILL reports that Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023, during which he played a central role in policy coordination and governance reforms.
During his tenure, he chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee, led reforms to improve the ease of doing business, and championed social investment programmes to support vulnerable populations. He also coordinated key economic policies across multiple sectors, helping to drive inclusive growth and institutional strengthening.
Prior to his role as vice-president, Osinbajo served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he was instrumental in implementing legal and institutional reforms that enhanced the efficiency of the justice system.
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