The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on women’s and adolescents’ health innovation, data-driven policymaking, and sustainable investment across Africa.
The agreement was signed during the African Union Summit 2026 by Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, and Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. It underscores a shared commitment to accelerate progress toward universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promote demographic resilience, and build equitable, resilient health systems through innovation and strategic partnerships.
A Transformative Alliance for Health in Africa
The MoU establishes a framework for joint action to scale innovations, strengthen policy coordination for adolescent, maternal, and reproductive health, improve access to essential services and technologies, localize manufacturing, and enhance pooled procurement mechanisms for sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) products.
“Every woman and girl has the right to quality health care, grounded in equity and dignity,” said Ms. Keita. “This partnership brings together public health leadership, technical excellence, and continental reach to accelerate progress across Africa—ensuring that innovation, policy, and investments deliver health and hope for women, adolescents, and those furthest behind.”
Building on their collaboration during the launch of the WomenX Collective Nairobi Hub in June 2025, UNFPA and Africa CDC aim to promote African-led innovation ecosystems, sustainable financing, and inclusive digital transformation to accelerate gender equality and universal health coverage.
Africa as a Hub for Innovation and Leadership
“The health of women and girls is the foundation of resilient communities and strong health systems,” said Dr. Kaseya. “Our partnership with UNFPA highlights Africa’s leadership in shaping sustainable, data-driven solutions for women’s health. Together, we will strengthen health security, scale responsible and inclusive innovation, and ensure women and girls are at the center of Africa’s progress.”
The partnership will also mobilize resources, engage the private sector, and promote blended finance and co-investment models. Initiatives will include support for digital health systems, innovative procurement, and capacity-building programs for health leaders and programme managers to implement equitable and resilient primary health care.
Key Areas of Collaboration Under the MoU
- Foster ecosystems with Regional Coordinating Centres and National Public Health Institutes to scale innovations and strengthen policy advocacy for women’s health
- Scale sustainable investment and financing mechanisms for adolescent, maternal, and reproductive health
- Advance responsible and inclusive research & development
- Enhance workforce capacity, equipping leaders and managers to implement resilient primary health care
- Improve data-driven decision-making for women’s health
- Ensure sustainable access to SRMNAH products through pooled procurement and local manufacturing
About UNFPA
The mission of UNFPA is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA works with governments and partners to provide universal access to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, quality maternal care, and comprehensive sexuality education.
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. More information is available at www.africacdc.org.
