The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has publicly backed Zimbabwe and Zambia in their dispute regarding a new health cooperation framework negotiated with the U.S. government. The head of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, highlighted significant concerns related to transparency, data governance, and national sovereignty that have arisen from the U.S. government's revised health strategies. Kaseya's remarks emphasize the importance of allowing African nations to maintain control over their health policies and decisions, thus asserting a need for caution when entering agreements that may undermine their sovereignty.

Kaseya stated that Africa CDC stands ready to support any African nation that chooses to withdraw from or renegotiate the new U.S. framework. He expressed reservations about the America First Global Health Strategy that has replaced the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), indicating a shift in how U.S. health initiatives are managed in Africa. While voicing his organization's advisory role, Kaseya reassured member states that Africa CDC would not coerce them into accepting terms they find unfavorable, reinforcing the narrative of African autonomy in health governance.

This development reflects broader tensions between African nations and Western countries in international health agreements. By supporting Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa CDC may strengthen its position as an advocate for African sovereignty in health matters, encouraging other nations to be vigilant and critical of international deals that may threaten their ability to govern health policies independently. The implications of this support could lead to a more assertive African stance in future negotiations with external powers regarding health cooperation and funding.