ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 — The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) on Monday jointly unveiled a three-week training workshop to advance public health capacity across Africa.
Launched at the Chinese-built Africa CDC headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the workshop focuses on laboratory detection and genome sequencing technology, bringing together 30 experts from 16 African countries.
Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, said the training workshop is not only to share knowledge and technology, but also to demonstrate the determination of China and Africa to overcome public health challenges.
“China-Africa public health cooperation demonstrates our active participation in global governance and the practice of multilateralism. In the rapidly changing landscape of Africa’s health governance, we must rely on the collective wisdom and strength of the Chinese and African people to build up the public health system,” Jiang said.
Noting that the workshop represents a significant step toward deepening China-Africa cooperation in addressing public health challenges, Jiang said that China will consistently provide technical support, dispatch public health experts to the Africa CDC, and jointly build a shared community of health for all.
Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa CDC, said the training workshop not only opens a new chapter to strengthen scientific collaboration between Chinese and African agencies, but also helps strengthen public health capacity across Africa.
“We are privileged to welcome leading professors and experts from the China CDC, who have generously shared their proficiency with us. Your commitment to this initiative inspires us all,” Kaseya said.
Zhang Yong, a representative of Chinese experts, said the training workshop focuses on core aspects of laboratory technology, accurate detection of pathogens, monitoring and analysis of drug resistance, and standardized procedures for laboratory quality management.
According to Zhang, the two sides are planning a series of projects involving early warning for outbreaks, disease surveillance and application of big data analysis.
