Africa CDC Names Osinbajo Senior Strategic Adviser to Strengthen Health Agenda
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at reinforcing leadership for the continent’s health priorities.
The appointment was announced on Monday by Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the agency.
According to Edwin, the decision aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, which seeks to amplify Africa’s voice in global health governance, improve domestic health financing, and expand local production of medical supplies.
In his new role, Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on Africa’s positioning within global health reforms, sustainable financing models, local manufacturing of health commodities, and the development of partnerships to strengthen health resilience across the continent.
Edwin noted that Osinbajo brings extensive experience in governance, finance, law, and diplomacy, adding that his expertise would be instrumental as Africa pushes for greater influence in shaping its health future.
“This appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising top-tier African leadership to advance the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development,” she said.
She added that his background in public policy and governance would support ongoing efforts to build resilient health systems across African Union member states, particularly in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Vice-President from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, he played a key role in economic and governance reforms, chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee, and led initiatives to improve the ease of doing business and expand social investment programmes nationwide.
He also previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he contributed significantly to legal and institutional reforms.
