VICE President Dr Philip Mpango has underscored the importance of sustainable health financing systems to ensure Africa’s resilience in managing public health emergencies.

Speaking at the African Union Heads of State and Government Committee meeting of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on Monday, Dr Mpango said Tanzania is determined to mobilize more domestic resources, strengthen innovative financing mechanisms and support regional initiatives that reduce reliance on external aid.

He noted that Africa’s health priorities can only be adequately addressed when governments on the continent take the lead in investing in health systems. “Africa must not rely entirely on donor support. We must take ownership of our health agenda through sustainable and inclusive funding models,” he said.

Dr Mpango further highlighted the critical role of domestic manufacturing of diagnostic kits, medicines and other essential health commodities. He said Tanzania encourages investment in local industries, continent-wide regulatory authorities, and technology transfer partnerships to boost Africa’s capacity to respond to both present and future health challenges.

Citing lessons from recent outbreaks of infectious diseases, including Marburg and other emerging pathogens, Dr Mpango stressed the urgent need for strong preparedness and response systems. He said Tanzania has been investing in infectious disease treatment units, rapid deployment of emergency medical teams, and strengthening healthcare workforce and infrastructure to improve resilience.

He also emphasized the importance of bolstering all pillars of public health emergency systems from disease surveillance and laboratory networks to infection prevention, medical supplies, and effective coordination. “Preparedness cannot be partial. Every link in the chain must be strong if Africa is to contain outbreaks swiftly and effectively,” he said.

In addition, Dr Mpango called for deeper collaboration among AU member states, regional economic communities, and the Africa CDC in developing a coordinated approach to health emergencies. He said joint research, harmonized policies, and collective capacity-building efforts would enhance the continent’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats.

“The challenges of pandemics and epidemics transcend borders. Only through solidarity and cooperation can we secure the health security of our continent,” he said.

The AU committee meeting focused on key issues concerning the Africa CDC, under the theme ‘Securing Africa’s Health Sovereignty: Political Leadership for Sustainable Health Financing, Domestic Manufacturing, and Pandemic Preparedness’. The discussions reflected the urgency of ensuring that Africa develops the financial independence, production capacity and strategic planning needed to safeguard its populations against health crises.

Dr Mpango reiterated that Tanzania is committed to supporting Africa CDC’s mandate and regional frameworks that promote collective self-reliance. He urged fellow African leaders to prioritize health sovereignty as a cornerstone of sustainable development and regional stability.

The meeting brought together heads of state, ministers of health, and senior officials from across Africa alongside global health partners, who expressed support for strengthening Africa CDC’s leadership role in building a resilient and self-reliant health system for the continent.