USAID Funding: China And Korea Contribute $4 Million Towards Disease Control in Africa

China and Korea have jointly donated $4 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This financial contribution, announced on February 21, 2025, aims to address immediate funding shortages faced by the pan-African health agency. This was in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze various USAID programs, reducing the U.S. commitment to Africa CDC from $500 million to $385 million, leaving a $115 million gap. The cutting of USAID funds poses a difficult challenge for Africa. The United States, a major donor, has scaled back its financial commitments, leaving Africa CDC scrambling to fill a substantial gap.

U.S. Funding Reductions Create Challenges for Africa CDC

Africa relies heavily on external support for its healthcare systems, with approximately 84% of its health funding sourced from outside the continent. According to Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya, this reduction has created a significant shortfall, threatening the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively. The decision to freeze various USAID programs has amplified the urgency for alternative funding sources, prompting China and Korea’s timely intervention.

Africa CDC’s Strategic Response to the Funding Gap

During an online briefing held on Thursday, Dr. Kaseya outlined the agency’s multifaceted approach to securing financial stability. Beyond the $4 million contribution from China and Korea, Africa CDC is actively engaging with the U.S. government to restore its full funding pledge.

Kaseya emphasized a shared security narrative, stating, “Our security is your security,” to underscore the global implications of a robust African health system. The agency is also reaching out to private sector partners. Kaseya stressed that securing pledges is only half the battle and that ensuring that promised funds are delivered remains a top priority.

Introduction of the African Epidemic Fund

A major development in Africa CDC’s funding strategy is the recent launch of the African Epidemic Fund, which was launched just last week. This innovative initiative repurposes surplus COVID-19 funds and integrates locally raised resources to create a flexible financial reserve.

Dr. Kaseya hailed the fund as a “game changer,” noting that it allows Africa CDC to receive and deploy resources swiftly without needing approval from other African Union bodies. This autonomy enhances the agency’s capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks, strengthen health infrastructure, and build resilience against future crises.

Boosting Local Manufacturing and Vaccine Access

In addition to addressing funding challenges, Africa CDC is making strides toward self-reliance in health innovation. Dr. Kaseya revealed that an agreement for a technical transfer of mpox vaccine production is nearing completion. The deal, expected to be finalized next week, involves Bavarian Nordic A/S, a global vaccine manufacturer, and an unnamed African company.

While the identity of the African firm remains confidential pending final contract details, this move signals a renewed push for local manufacturing capacity. Such efforts aim to reduce the continent’s dependence on imported medical supplies and improve access to critical interventions.

The Broader Crisis Facing Africa’s Health and Economy

The funding shortfall is unfolding against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges for Africa. Dr. Kaseya has repeatedly warned that the continent faces a convergence of crises that could unravel decades of progress in health security and economic development.

According to Africa CDC projections, without urgent action, financial constraints could lead to an additional 2 to 4 million deaths annually from preventable and treatable diseases. The economic fallout could be equally devastating, with an estimated 39 million people pushed into poverty and billions of dollars in annual losses. These stark figures highlight the dire stakes involved and the critical need for sustained investment.

The $4 million contribution from China and Korea, while still a lifeline, is just a fraction of the $115 million gap left due to the cut of USAID funds. Africa CDC’s leadership, under Dr. Kaseya, is committed to securing alternative funding to bridge the gap, enabling the CDC to carry on its operations.

The launch of the African Epidemic Fund and the upcoming vaccine manufacturing deal reflect a proactive stance moving forward, away from USAID funding. However, the agency’s success will depend on translating pledges into tangible resources and maintaining momentum in light of funding and health threats in Africa.

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