In a bid to counter misinformation and strengthen Africa’s health resilience, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched the Africa Public Health Podcast. This new initiative aims to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding by offering credible, accessible, and African-led health narratives.

The podcast comes at a time when the continent faces complex health threats, from emerging infectious diseases to climate-related health risks and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. 

By leveraging storytelling and expert discussions, Africa CDC seeks to ensure that accurate and timely health information reaches communities, policymakers, and frontline workers.

At Africa CDC, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire action and trust," said Margaret Muigai-Edwin, Director Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC. "The podcast gives Africa its own microphone where our experts, frontline workers and communities can shape the narrative of public health in Africa."


Each episode will feature expert insights, frontline experiences, and community-driven solutions, shedding light on how African nations are tackling public health challenges. Topics will include pandemic preparedness, digital health, pathogen genomics, and capacity building to strengthen the continent’s health systems.

The first episode, The Power of Genomics in Disease Control, explores how genomic sequencing is revolutionizing disease surveillance across Africa. Dr. Sofonias Tessema, Program Lead for Pathogen Genomics at Africa CDC, joins host Andisiwe Michelle May to discuss how genomic technology is being used to detect outbreaks in real time, track diseases such as malaria and Ebola, and enhance Africa’s response capabilities.

By making scientific discussions relatable and engaging, Africa CDC aims to foster a well-informed and health-conscious society. “We want to ensure that public health knowledge is not locked in academic journals but is shared widely and understood by everyday Africans,” added Muigai-Edwin.

The Africa Public Health Podcast is set to become a vital tool in Africa CDC’s broader mission to empower communities through science-driven communication, ultimately shaping a healthier and more resilient continent.