Africa CDC Cites Major Concerns Over Data, Pathogen Sharing in U.S. Health Deals

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concerns over new agreements the United States is pursuing with African countries to govern the future delivery of U.S. global health funding.

Director-General Jean Kaseya voiced the concerns during a virtual press conference on Thursday.

“There are huge concerns regarding data and pathogen sharing,” he said.

Kaseya explained that he had initially welcomed the strategy with enthusiasm, noting that it would allow African countries to receive funding more directly while requiring them to co-invest in their health systems.

However, he said he declined an opportunity for Africa CDC to serve as an observer to the agreements, citing respect for the sovereignty of individual nations.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe withdrew from negotiations with the United States over a proposed five-year agreement valued at $367 million, citing concerns over what it described as unequal provisions on sensitive data sharing.

Zambia’s government also indicated that it had pushed back against certain provisions in its draft agreement.

Global health advocates have criticized the pathogen-sharing clauses, which require countries to promptly share data with Washington on pathogens that could trigger epidemics as a condition for receiving funding. Critics note that the agreements do not guarantee that any drugs or vaccines developed from such shared data would be made available to the affected countries.

The agreements are part of a broader shift in how U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is delivering billions of dollars in global health funding. The administration has restructured its aid approach following the dismantling of its aid agency last year, widespread funding cuts, and a renewed emphasis on an “America First” global health strategy.