Public health remains a pillar of societal well-being, driving efforts to address global challenges such as disease outbreaks, health disparities, and climate-related impacts. With its evolution shaped by scientific advancement and the push for equitable solutions, public health today relies heavily on visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and collaborative action.
Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, stands as a beacon of such transformative leadership. With a results-driven and empathetic approach, Jean inspires teams, fosters global partnerships, and drives change rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. His leadership combines innovation and practicality, with a firm commitment to empowering communities and strengthening health systems across the continent.
Africa CDC, a premier pan-African health institution, is tasked with enhancing the capabilities of African Member States to respond to health crises. Through evidence-based strategies, investment in advanced technologies, and strong partnerships, Africa CDC works to ensure no community is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare.
Personal Roots and Public Health Success
Born in Kinshasa, DRC, Jean’s path was shaped early by his mother’s work as a nurse in a local public hospital. Witnessing the devastating toll of preventable diseases in underserved communities inspired him to become a medical doctor dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps.
Among his career highlights is his role in the introduction of the meningitis A vaccine in Africa—a development that has significantly reduced the disease’s burden and marked a personal victory in his mission to save lives.
Vision: The 5C Framework
To tackle Africa’s multifaceted health challenges, Jean introduced the 5C framework:
Community: Empowering local populations by designing health programs tailored to their needs, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
Connectivity: Leveraging digital technology to support real-time data collection, facilitating timely decisions and responses.
Capacity: Developing human capital and infrastructure while boosting local production of critical health supplies like vaccines and diagnostics.
Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with governments, international organizations, and regional bodies to promote sustainable solutions.
Climate: Building climate-resilient health systems to protect vulnerable populations from environmental health threats.
Every action at Africa CDC is guided by science and data to maximize impact.
Strategic Advocacy and Partnerships
Jean’s background in government provided him with insights into political navigation and strategic communication. At Africa CDC, he applies this expertise through global health diplomacy, advocating for political support and funding at the highest levels to align public health with broader development agendas.
He also emphasizes the value of public-private partnerships. From UNICEF, he gained a focus on equity and prioritizing vulnerable populations. At GAVI, he saw firsthand how strategic alliances can expand vaccine access and strengthen immunization systems. His work with NGOs and US-funded programs further deepened his understanding of community-based interventions and the power of localized solutions.
Leadership Style: Adaptive and Collaborative
Jean’s leadership approach is collaborative, adaptable, and outcome-focused. He believes in empowering teams, building meaningful partnerships, and harmonizing innovation with practical strategies. His dual focus on strategic vision and hands-on implementation enables him to meet the complex demands of leading Africa CDC.
Central to his collaboration strategy is transparent communication. Jean ensures goal alignment, regular progress reviews, and mutual respect in all partnerships. Shared ownership of outcomes, he asserts, builds trust and long-lasting results.
Investing in People and Innovation
Jean is committed to maintaining Africa CDC’s leadership in global disease control through investments in digital platforms, genomic sequencing, and capacity-building programs. Collaborations with academic institutions and health agencies strengthen Africa’s preparedness and responsiveness.
Training and retaining skilled professionals remain top priorities. With dynamic health threats on the rise, Jean advocates for continuous innovation, assertive engagement, and flexible strategies that empower African nations to lead their own public health responses.
Qualities of a Global Health Leader
For Jean, global health leadership demands a blend of vision, resilience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. The ability to work across cultures, communicate effectively, and make data-informed decisions is key. Leaders must also remain open to learning and adapting—traits he exercises daily amidst the pressures and unpredictability of his role.
Balancing Leadership and Life
As Director General, Jean spends about 23 days a month traveling. To maintain mental well-being, he delegates when necessary, practices daily meditation, and prioritizes time with family. He finds joy in cooking, hosting friends, and listening to music, though he no longer finds time for Scrabble, a favorite pastime.
Donor Relationships and Transparent Impact
Jean emphasizes that clear vision, measurable outcomes, and transparency are essential in fostering strong donor relations. Donors need to see the tangible results of their support. Consistent updates, openness in resource management, and acknowledgment of contributions are crucial to building trust and long-term collaboration.
Looking Ahead
With a four-year term and potential for renewal, Jean is focused on creating an empowered, autonomous Africa CDC that plays a central role in global health governance. His legacy is one of resilience, self-reliance, and inclusive access to healthcare across Africa.
He envisions a future where Africa leads in the local manufacturing of health supplies, funds its health systems domestically, and ensures no one is left behind. As global challenges grow, he believes increased solidarity—within Africa and globally—is critical.
“COVID-19 was a wake-up call,” Jean says. “It showed us that what happens in one country can quickly impact the entire world. The future of public health depends on unity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to humanity.”
