Measuring capacities to advance global health security and bioeconomic development on the African continent
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This descriptive analysis aims to examine the current state of health security on the African continent to understand areas where improvements have been made, where gaps remain, and where future priorities can be identified. DESIGN: We analyzed the health security capacities of 54 African countries using data abstracted from the Global Health Security Index (versions 2019 and 2021) and Joint External Evaluation reports published since 2021. RESULTS: The continent's health security strengths include a high level of commitment to improving health security. In addition, between 2019 and 2021, African countries improved their epidemiology workforce and developed plans for the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Despite this progress, gaps remain, especially in areas of biosecurity, biosafety, and oversight of dual-use research of concern. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing to build on improvements to health security capacities on the African continent is crucial to safeguarding economic and development achievements. Investing in health security capacities will not only strengthen preparedness for a variety of health hazards and risks, but it will also stimulate the continent's emerging bioeconomy. Improving capacities to prepare for and respond to health security threats on the African continent benefits both the continent and the rest of the world.
Authors: Margaret M. Dunne, Yenew Kebede, Wilmot James, Ali Asy, Peter Ahabwe Babigumira, Donewell Bangure, Ian Peter Busuulwa, Rym Benkhalifa, Joseph Bitilinyu-Bangoh, Elizabeth E. Cameron, Carly Gasca, Christopher R. Isaac, Issa Makumbi, Talkmore Maruta, Zibusiso Masuku, Natalie Mayet, Diane Meyer, Geoffrey Namara, Jaures Noumedem, Tolbert Nyenswah, Chinwe Lucia Ochu, Donald Ibe Ofili, Paul Okwalinga, Judith Omumbo, Augustin Mouinga Ondeme, Nathan A. Paxton, Samira Senouci, Hayley Severance, Lizeka Tandwa, Jaime M. Yassif, Elly Vaughan, Jennifer B. Nuzzo
Institutions: Brown University, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Health, World Organisation for Animal Health, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Public Health Institute of Malawi, Nuclear Threat Initiative, National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Joint Clinical Research Centre, Science for Africa Foundation, Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, University of the Witwatersrand
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W7151338026