Jean Kaseya

Dr. Jean Kaseya is the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), appointed by the African Union Assembly in February 2023. A medical doctor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with advanced training in epidemiology and community health, he brings nearly 30 years of experience across national and global institutions, including UNICEF, Gavi, CHAI, and the World Health Organization. He is driving Africa’s shift toward health security and sovereignty through the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, which emphasizes stronger systems, sustainable financing, digital transformation, local manufacturing, and resilient supply chains. He has championed reforms focused on domestic resource mobilization and co-financing, supporting Member States in adapting to evolving donor landscapes and negotiating government-to-government health compacts aligned with national priorities. Under his leadership, Africa CDC has strengthened its role as a continental coordinating body, notably in responding to public health emergencies such as mpox. Internationally, he serves as Co-Chair of the G20 High-Level Independent Panel on financing pandemic preparedness and response, bridging health and finance leadership. He has also advanced partnerships with institutions such as the World Bank and overseen reforms enhancing Africa CDC’s credibility. Dr. Kaseya has been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans (2025) and the 100 Most Reputable Africans (2026), and has received national honours from Zambia and Mauritania.