Ghana's Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has received an invitation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to join its new Continental Immunisation Advisory Council (CIAC).
The Africa CDC extended this invitation in a letter dated August 15, 2026. Dr. Folake Olayinka, Director of the Immunisation Directorate at Africa CDC, signed the correspondence. Mr. Annoh-Dompreh has until Friday, August 21, 2026, to confirm his acceptance of this significant role. His selection acknowledges his leadership, expertise, and contributions to health and development across Africa and globally.
This appointment places a prominent Ghanaian political figure at the forefront of continental health policy. Ghana has consistently played a crucial role in regional health discussions and initiatives. For instance, Ghana recently hosted an Africa CDC regional meeting focused on strengthening health security. This invitation reinforces Ghana's commitment to public health and its influence within African institutions. The nation's experience with various health campaigns, including childhood immunisation and recent pandemic responses, provides valuable insights for the CIAC's work.
The Africa CDC stated that Mr. Annoh-Dompreh was identified for his significant contributions to the immunisation and health agenda. His experience and perspective will enrich the Council's deliberations. The organisation expects his input to strengthen its ability to provide practical, Africa-led solutions to immunisation challenges.
The CIAC will function as an independent advisory body. Its primary purpose is to offer strategic guidance to the Africa CDC on immunisation matters throughout the continent. This includes supporting the implementation of the Continental Immunisation Strategy (CIS) 2026–2030. The Council aims to accelerate immunisation uptake and ensure Africa's immunisation agenda remains rooted in political leadership and country ownership. This strategic approach is vital for achieving widespread health security.
The Council will gather leaders and experts from diverse fields. These include public health, politics, government, finance, academia, and civil society. Its work will tackle some of Africa's most urgent immunisation issues. These challenges encompass sustainable domestic financing for vaccines and reaching underserved populations. The CIAC will also focus on vaccine security and promoting African vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Strengthening primary healthcare systems and protecting immunisation gains in fragile regions are also key objectives. This comprehensive mandate reflects the complex nature of public health on the continent.
Membership on the CIAC is by individual appointment. Members will serve in their personal and independent capacities. They will not represent their respective institutions. This structure ensures unbiased advice and broad expertise. The Council's governance arrangements will include appropriate declaration and management of potential conflicts of interest. This ensures transparency and integrity in its operations. The establishment of the CIAC forms part of Africa CDC’s broader efforts to strengthen continental leadership on immunisation. It aims to ensure countries can sustain vaccination gains while addressing persistent gaps in access. This initiative is critical for long-term public health resilience.
If Mr. Annoh-Dompreh accepts, he will join a vital continental platform. This platform unites political, technical, and institutional voices. It will advise on the future direction of immunisation policy across Africa. This role underscores the importance of political will and multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving public health goals. His involvement could significantly influence the health outcomes for millions of Africans. It also highlights Ghana's growing influence in shaping regional health strategies and policies. The CIAC's work is essential for building a healthier and more resilient African continent.