The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy urging African governments to harness the continent's estimated $95 billion in annual diaspora remittances to bolster health financing. This initiative comes in response to a projected 70% decline in external health aid between 2021 and 2025, coupled with a 41% increase in disease outbreaks from 2022 to 2024, which have placed immense pressure on Africa's already strained health systems .​

The strategy emphasizes the need for African nations to fulfill the Abuja Declaration's commitment of allocating at least 15% of national budgets to health. Additionally, it proposes innovative financing mechanisms, such as solidarity levies on airline tickets, alcohol, and mobile services, to generate sustainable domestic resources for health initiatives

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of self-reliance, stating, "This strategy is not about aid—it’s about ownership. Africa cannot continue outsourcing its health security. We are building a future where Africa invests in its people, drives its own health agenda, and responds to crises with speed, strength, and self-reliance"

The implementation plan is divided into two phases: the first phase (2025–2026) will focus on updating national health financing plans in 30 countries, piloting new revenue mechanisms, and launching transparency dashboards. The second phase (2026–2030) aims to ensure that at least 20 countries can finance 50% or more of their health budgets through sustainable domestic sources .

This strategic shift underscores a broader commitment to achieving health sovereignty by leveraging domestic resources, including diaspora remittances, to build resilient and self-sufficient health systems across the continent.