Africa CDC Seeks Assurance from Trump Administrati...

Africa CDC Seeks Assurance from Trump Administration on U.S. Health Commitments Amid Mpox Crisis

Zim Now Writer

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking confirmation that the incoming U.S. administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, will uphold key health commitments made by the current administration.

In September, President Joe Biden pledged US$500 million and one million mpox vaccine doses to support Africa CDC’s efforts to address an mpox outbreak across the continent. However, as the outbreak persists, Africa CDC reports that promised funds and vaccines have been slow to arrive, hampering the response.

Africa CDC Director John Kaseya has expressed concern that Trump’s victory could affect U.S. support for African health initiatives.

Kaseya emphasized the need for early discussions with the new administration to ensure these commitments are honored, warning that a failure to do so could deepen existing distrust between Africa and the U.S.

The situation is further complicated by Trump’s announcement that he would give control over U.S. healthcare policy to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist.

Kennedy, who has been widely criticized for spreading vaccine misinformation, claims Trump has promised him authority over agencies such as the FDA, CDC, HHS, and USDA.

The Africa CDC has emphasized the need to engage with the incoming U.S. administration to ensure that Africa’s health priorities remain supported amidst these potential policy shifts.