The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as a senior strategic adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya.

In a statement released on Monday, the agency said the appointment comes at an important time as it continues to promote its Africa Health Security and Sovereignty agenda.

This programme aims to strengthen Africa’s role in global health, increase local funding, improve the production of medical supplies within the continent, and build stronger health systems to handle future pandemics.

Jean Kaseya said Osinbajo brings valuable experience to the role, especially in areas like governance, finance, law, and international relations.

He added that Africa needs strong leadership to take control of its health future, and Osinbajo’s involvement will be very helpful in achieving that goal.

According to him, the appointment shows Africa CDC’s commitment to working with experienced African leaders to improve health security and development across the continent.

In his new position, Osinbajo will advise on issues such as Africa’s role in global health decisions, sustainable healthcare funding, local production of medical goods, partnerships, and policy direction for Africa CDC and the African Union.

Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023.

Before that, he worked as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

During his time in government, he led Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, supported reforms to make doing business easier, and played a key role in implementing social investment programmes.