African National Public Health Institutes Responses to COVID-19: Innovations, Systems Changes, and Challenges

Binder, Sue; Ario, Alex Riolexus; Hien, Hervé; Mayet, Natalie; Jani, Ilesh V; Ihekweazu, Chikwe; Abate, Ebba; Nsanzimana, Sabin; Yavo, William; Halatoko, Wemboo Afiwa; Murugasampillay, Shiva; Ilori, Elsie; Zoonekyndt, Amandine; McLean, Callie; Millogo, Claude; Nikjooy, Edris; Viso, Anne-Catherine; Seib, Katherine; Whitney, Ellen A Spotts

National public health institutes (NPHIs)-science-based governmental agencies typically part of, or closely aligned with, ministries of health-have played a critical part in many countries' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through listening sessions with NPHI leadership, we captured the experiences of NPHIs in Africa. Our research was further supplemented by a review of the literature. To address issues related to COVID-19, NPHIs in Africa developed a variety of innovative approaches, such as working with the private sector to procure and manage vital supplies and address key information needs. Creative uses of technology, including virtual training and messaging from drones, contributed to sharing information and battling misinformation. Positive impacts of the pandemic response include increased laboratory capacity in many countries, modernized surveillance systems, and strengthened public-private partnerships; much of this enhanced capacity is expected to persist beyond the pandemic. However, several challenges remain, including the lack of staff trained in areas like bioinformatics (essential for genomic analysis) and the need for sustained relationships and data sharing between NPHIs and agencies not traditionally considered public health (eg, those related to border crossings), as well as the impact of the pandemic on prevention and control of non-COVID-19 conditions-both infectious and noncommunicable. Participants in the listening sessions also highlighted concerns about inequities in access to, and quality of, the public health services and clinical care with resultant disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain populations. COVID-19 responses and challenges highlight the need for continued investment to strengthen NPHIs and public health infrastructure to address longstanding deficiencies and ensure preparedness for the next public health crisis.