A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROMINENT AFRICAN PHYSICIAN HIS EXCELLENCY JEAN KASEYA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE AFRICA CENTRES FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (AFRICA CDC).

 

Whereas, His Excellency Jean Kaseya, M.D., director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has emerged as a transformative leader who is redefining the trajectory of public health leadership in Africa through bold reforms, strategic diplomacy, and a clear vision for continental health sovereignty. Appointed director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) by the African Union Assembly in February 2023, this Congolese physician and epidemiologist brings to his work nearly three decades of experience across national governments and leading global health institutions, including UNICEF, Gavi, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the World Health Organization; and

 

Whereas, since assuming office, Dr. Kaseya has driven a decisive shift in Africa's health agenda, from dependence on external aid toward resilience, self-reliance, and strategic autonomy. At the heart of his leadership is the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda, a transformative framework designed to strengthen national and regional health systems, expand sustainable domestic financing, accelerate digital health and data governance, and build robust local manufacturing and procurement ecosystems. By prioritizing domestic resource mobilization and co-financing, he is helping member states reposition health security as a core national investment, rather than a donor-driven intervention; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Kaseya's impact has been particularly evident in crisis leadership. Under his stewardship, Africa CDC has coordinated swift and unified continental responses to major public health threats, including the mpox outbreak, reinforcing the institution's credibility as Africa's central platform for emergency preparedness and response. His leadership has strengthened cross-border surveillance, information sharing, and operational coordination, critical pillars for managing future pandemics and health emergencies; and

 

Whereas, beyond emergency response, he has positioned Africa CDC as a key actor in global health governance and financing. As co-chair of the G20 High Level Independent Panel on Financing Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Dr. Kaseya is bridging the gap between health and finance ministries, ensuring that pandemic preparedness is treated as a macroeconomic and security priority. He has actively engaged G20 ministerial processes, advocated for equitable global financing mechanisms, and strengthened strategic partnerships with major multilateral institutions, including the World Bank; and

 

Whereas, institutionally, his tenure has been marked by significant reforms to enhance transparency, operational efficiency, and partner confidence. These efforts have elevated Africa CDC's standing among development partners and enabled new funding opportunities, including eligibility for direct bilateral support following rigorous due-diligence processes. He also has championed the Africa Health Workforce Compact, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding, retaining, and optimally deploying skilled health professionals across the continent; and

 

Whereas, equally important is Dr. Kaseya's strategic diplomacy. He has led high-level negotiations on emerging global health policies and government-to-government health compacts, ensuring that Africa's priorities, particularly data sovereignty, national ownership, and alignment with domestic strategies, are protected within evolving international frameworks. Through visionary leadership, institutional reform, and strategic global engagement, Dr. Jean Kaseya not only is strengthening Africa's capacity to respond to health crises but also is building the foundations for a resilient, sovereign, and future-ready continental health system. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the life and achievements of prominent African physician His Excellency Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to His Excellency Jean Kaseya.

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