New Africa CDC data repository supports local manufacturing

Fragmented public health data limited manufacturers and suppliers to anticipate demand, leading to overproduction or stock-outs. 

The CDR, funded by the Global Fund and supported by the Public Health Informatics Institute, supports more accurate production planning and distribution of medical supplies.

The CDR repository integrates all health data in a secure and interoperable platform. It provides real-time insights into disease trends and outbreaks. The information can be used by pharma manufacturers to align production volumes and coordinate distribution with national and regional public health authorities.

Between 2022 and 2024, Africa reported 213 public health emergencies, a 40% increase from previous years. Incidents included infectious disease outbreaks and climate-related events such as floods and droughts. The CDR enables central tracking of these events and allows suppliers and manufacturers to understand changing public health needs.

The development of the CDR began with a feasibility study and functional prototype. A validation workshop in November 2025 endorsed the system’s design and cost analysis. The platform uses a federated model that allows member states to retain data ownership while providing consolidated information for cross-border public health planning and supply chain coordination.

Fragmented data stifles local pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa. It raises production costs and distorts demand signals. Without shared data on disease burden, firms cannot plan production or manage supply chains efficiently, leaving over 90% of medicines imported and local producers uncompetitive across the continent.

A central data system is an enabling intervention for local pharma manufacturing but a lot of investment is still needed.

Manufacturers also require predictable procurement, faster regulatory pathways, access to financing and regional market integration.