Project HOPE Applauds the Appointment of Dr. Jean Kaseya as Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

Washington, DC (23 February 2023) – A strong and capable leader is critical to the ongoing success of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Project HOPE – the global health and humanitarian aid organization – applauds the appointment of Dr. Jean Kaseya to the role of Director General.

The Africa CDC has made rapid progress in both prominence and impact. As a voice for the public health needs of the African continent and a convener of its leaders and experts, Africa CDC has become vital in the fight against today’s health challenges. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed us yet again, no country or continent can stand alone against infection. Under the outstanding leadership of the previous Africa CDC Director, Dr. John Nkengasong, the organization established itself and its role beginning with the response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Now with a greatly enhanced status as an independent organization within the African Union, Dr. Kaseya has the opportunity to take the Africa CDC even further.

The long and impressive candidate list for the position was heartening, but Dr. Kaseya’s deep experience in Africa’s health challenges in addition to the global health architecture that influences health services across the continent, made him an outstanding choice. His stated goals include a focus on further strengthening institutional capacities to more effectively manage and lead efforts, as well as further pursuing improved COVID-19 vaccine access in Africa through greater production on the continent – both of which are efforts that will accelerate Africa CDC’s impact.

“Leadership is critical to the success of any organization. Africa CDC has been blessed with great leadership to date and that trajectory continues with the appointment of Dr. Kaseya,” said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE’s President and CEO. “Project HOPE is proud to have had a strong partnership with Africa CDC and we look forward to working closely with Dr. Kaseya in the future.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic reversed progress in the global fight against killer diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, vaccine preventable diseases, and non-communicable diseases,” said Dr. Tom Kenyon, Project HOPE’s Chief Medical Officer. “Africa CDC rose to the challenges of the pandemic as a strong regional leader and now, under Director General Kaseya’s leadership, its poised to surge further.”

Project HOPE affiliate, Project HOPE Namibia, has a partnership with Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation to promote COVID-19 vaccine access and awareness in countries and communities across northern Africa, including Namibia. As part of this collaboration, Project HOPE will train frontline health workers in case management, COVID-19 vaccines, and mental health and resiliency. We look forward to continuing these valuable partnerships with the Africa CDC in the future.

To schedule an interview, please contact media@projecthope.org.

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.