Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed senior strategic adviser to the director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the agency and signed by its director of communication and public information, Margaret Edwin.
Africa CDC said ex-VP Osinbajo will provide guidance on Africa’s role in global health matters.
His work will cover health financing, local production of medical supplies, partnerships and policy direction within the African Union system.
Director-General of Africa CDC Jean Kaseya said the former vice president’s experience will support the agency’s programmes.
“Professor Osinbajo brings experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law and diplomacy,” he said.
He added that the appointment reflects the agency’s plan to draw on African leadership in strengthening health systems and improving coordination across countries.
According to the agency, Osinbajo will advise on how Africa can position itself in global health discussions. This includes issues around funding, access to medical products and policy coordination among member states.
Africa CDC noted that the role also involves supporting efforts to increase local manufacturing of health commodities and build systems for handling disease outbreaks.
Osinbajo served as vice president from 2015 to 2023 under former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Before that, he served as attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
During his time in office as vice president, he chaired the economic sustainability committee and took part in programmes focused on economic planning and social support.
He also worked on reforms aimed at improving the business environment through the presidential enabling business environment council.
Africa CDC said its new role will support its work with the African Union and other partners in strengthening health systems and improving preparedness for public health challenges.
The agency added that it will continue to engage leaders across the continent as part of its efforts to improve health outcomes and coordination among member states.
