Former VP Osinbajo Lands Powerful Global Appointment

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s leadership and advancing key health priorities across the continent.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the organisation’s Director of Communication and Public Information, Margaret Edwin, the appointment is part of broader efforts to reinforce Africa’s health systems and enhance its position in global health governance.

The statement noted that the decision aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, an initiative designed to boost the continent’s influence in global health discussions, promote sustainable domestic financing for healthcare, and expand local manufacturing of medical supplies.

Osinbajo is expected to provide high-level strategic guidance on critical issues, including health financing, development of local pharmaceutical and medical production capacity, and the strengthening of partnerships to improve resilience across African health systems. His role will also involve advising on reforms in global health governance and fostering collaboration among African nations in addressing public health challenges.

Further details indicate that his expertise will be instrumental in enhancing pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response efforts, as the Africa CDC intensifies its drive to improve emergency response mechanisms across member states of the African Union.

According to Ireporter Online, the organisation described the appointment as a reflection of its commitment to leveraging experienced African leadership to advance health security, sovereignty, and sustainable development across the continent.

Edwin highlighted that Osinbajo’s extensive background in governance, law, and public policy positions him to make significant contributions toward strengthening health systems and institutional frameworks within African countries.

Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, where he played a pivotal role in economic policy coordination, governance reforms, and social investment initiatives. Prior to that, he held office as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, contributing to several legal and institutional reforms.