Strengthening Africa CDC’s Role Through Digital Collaboration
This white paper explores how digital collaboration platforms, interoperable health data systems, and regional eHealth strategies can enhance the Africa CDC’s ability to coordinate, respond, and lead health initiatives across the continent.

Abstract
As the central health agency of the African Union, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) plays a crucial role in coordinating pandemic response, public health surveillance, and capacity building. This white paper examines how digital collaboration tools, cross-border data sharing systems, and interoperable eHealth frameworks can significantly enhance Africa CDC’s operational effectiveness. It also presents use cases and policy recommendations to build a digitally empowered, continent-wide public health ecosystem.
Introduction
The Africa CDC was established in 2017 to strengthen the capacity of African countries to detect, prevent, control, and respond to public health threats. Its importance was magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it served as a continental command center for pandemic coordination. However, siloed data, fragmented digital systems, and limited infrastructure often hinder timely decision-making and cross-border collaboration.
With 56 AU member states, hundreds of stakeholders, and diverse health systems, digital transformation is no longer optional—it is critical to Africa CDC’s future success.
The Promise of Digital Collaboration
What Is Digital Collaboration in Public Health?
Digital collaboration refers to the use of digital platforms, data infrastructure, and integrated communication systems to coordinate public health efforts across institutions, borders, and sectors.
Key Components:
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Interoperable health data systems
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Cloud-based dashboards and alerts
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Secure cross-border data exchange protocols
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AI-powered early warning systems
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Real-time virtual coordination platforms (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams, Slack)
Opportunities for Africa CDC
Area | Digital Collaboration Opportunities |
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Disease Surveillance | Real-time case reporting and automated outbreak alerts |
Lab & Genomic Networks | Shared access to diagnostic and sequencing data across countries |
Emergency Coordination | Virtual incident command centers and crisis dashboards |
Training & Capacity Building | Virtual classrooms and tele-mentorship for health workers |
Policy Harmonization | Shared regulatory sandboxes and cross-country digital health policies |
Case Studies
🌍 Regional – Africa CDC’s Pathogen Genomics Initiative
Launched in 2020, this initiative aims to create a continent-wide network for genomic sequencing and data sharing, using digital platforms for coordination, training, and reporting.
📖 Source: Africa CDC. (2022). https://africacdc.org
🇳🇬 Nigeria – Digital Surveillance with SORMAS
Nigeria’s Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) uses the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), an open-source platform adopted by Africa CDC to improve disease tracking.
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Enables real-time reporting from facilities and labs
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Integrated into Africa CDC’s surveillance network
📖 Source: SORMAS. (2023). https://sormas.org
🛰️ Pan-African – Trusted Interoperability Framework
Africa CDC and Smart Africa are piloting a Trusted Health Information Exchange Framework, modeled on global digital public goods and open standards like HL7 FHIR and OpenHIE.
📖 Source: Smart Africa Secretariat. (2023). https://smartafrica.org
Barriers to Digital Collaboration
Challenge | Explanation |
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Lack of Interoperability | Diverse EMRs and HIS platforms lack shared protocols |
Data Sovereignty Concerns | Countries hesitate to share health data across borders |
Infrastructure Gaps | Power, internet, and server limitations in remote/rural areas |
Limited Digital Literacy | Need for training health workers on using digital collaboration tools |
Fragmented Funding | Donor projects often operate in silos with little platform alignment |
Policy & Technical Recommendations
1. Develop a Pan-African Digital Health Architecture
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Align with WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health
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Build upon Africa CDC’s existing platforms like DIDS (Digital Information Dashboard System)
2. Mandate Interoperability Standards
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Promote continent-wide adoption of HL7 FHIR, OpenHIE, DHIS2, and other open standards
3. Launch a Continental Data Governance Framework
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Create clear rules on data sharing, privacy, consent, and access rights across borders
4. Support Cross-Border Surveillance Protocols
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Use shared APIs and dashboards for real-time regional outbreak alerts and information flow
5. Invest in Workforce & Infrastructure
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Train digital health specialists, epidemiologists, and data scientists under AUDA-NEPAD programs
Future Outlook
By 2030, Africa CDC could evolve into Africa’s fully digital public health backbone, capable of leading proactive, unified health responses through a network of digitally connected member states, labs, and data ecosystems. Realizing this future will require political will, funding alignment, and inclusive digital partnerships across sectors.
References (APA 7th Edition)
Africa CDC. (2022). Digital transformation strategy 2022–2026.
https://africacdc.org
Smart Africa. (2023). Trusted Data Sharing and Interoperability Framework.
https://smartafrica.org/initiative/health
SORMAS. (2023). Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System.
https://sormas.org
World Health Organization. (2021). Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020924
African Union. (2020). Africa Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).
https://au.int/en/documents/20200601/digital-transformation-strategy-africa
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