Africa Union (AU) Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Role in the fight against COVID-19 in Africa: An Analysis of Frontline Health Workers' Perspectives

Abstract Background: This article examines the role of the Africa Union (AU) Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other international partners in the fight against the global pandemic on the continent (Africa). It analyzes the governance structure of the Africa CDC and the policy strategies to slow the virus and at the best end the pandemic. The Africa CDC works through its regional offices across the continent intending to strengthen the public health systems of AU member states in response to disease outbreaks. In this regard, the perspectives of frontline health workers were analyzed in an AU member state (Ghana). Methods: Data is obtained largely from qualitative sources through in-depth interviews, focus groups discussion, the use of official documents and some direct observations in the field (in offices and health facilities). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were utilized in which 40 participants took part in the study including national, regional and local level workers who worked or interacted directly with clients (COVID-19 patients, persons with suspected cases among others). Results: The results show that many international partners are identified as key partners that are directly involved in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa. It is interesting to note that the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the US CDC are more prominent in the fight against COVID-19 in Ghana than the Africa CDC. The reason for this is that the Africa CDC worked through its Regional Coordinating Centers (RCC) instead of working directly with the AU member states. Thus, the Africa CDC occupied the fourth position of the international partners who played crucial roles in the fight against the global pandemic in Ghana. Conclusion: The study concludes that strengthening public health systems is crucial in Africa and that the fight against COVID-19 is a collective one for all states and international partners. It recommends that the Africa CDC should find a way to work directly with the AU member states including Ghana.