Growing up in Kinshasa, the capital of what was then Zaire, Jean Kaseya could not turn a blind eye to the plight of millions of Congolese who suffered from poor health under the autocratic rule of President Mobutu Sese Seko. Inspired by his mother, a nurse, Jean understood early on that one of the best ways to contribute to his community was by becoming a doctor. Yet, the path to achieving this dream was far from straightforward, marked by challenges that tested his resilience at every turn.
For Jean, becoming a doctor was as much about helping his community as it was an act of political activism. He saw no separation between the two. The politics of healthcare and people’s well-being were deeply intertwined, and he recognized that he needed to be part of shaping the world he wanted to see. However, his political activism almost cost him his dream of becoming a doctor.
At just 14, and without his parents’ knowledge, Kaseya joined the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), a political party formed in 1982 to topple Mobutu’s dictatorial regime. This marked the beginning of a turbulent journey. Between 1985 and 1989, as a member of the UDPS youth movement, he attended political meetings and demonstrations. His activism drew the ire of Mobutu’s regime. By the time he turned 18 in 1989, the government sought to stifle his academic career, denying him the Diplôme d’État—a secondary school qualification necessary for university entry.
A Jesuit priest, who served as Mobutu’s spiritual advisor and was a family friend, intervened, brokering a deal that allowed Jean to graduate high school in exchange for ceasing political activities. Yet, even with a diploma in hand, the government denied him a bursary to cover the steep costs of medical school. Undeterred, Jean’s determination only grew stronger.
Financial struggles forced Jean to walk 22 kilometers daily from Ngiri-Ngiri, a middle-class community in Kinshasa, to the university and back. Without money for transportation or practical lessons—essential for 40% of some courses—he faced constant obstacles. Many students in similar circumstances gave up, but Jean persevered. At one point, his lack of access to practical lessons put his academic progress in serious jeopardy. Yet, despite these challenges, he held onto the belief that a miracle would happen.
Indeed, it did. The same Jesuit priest who had previously helped Jean intervened again, securing his enrollment just two weeks before exams. Jean was given three days to pay $60 in registration fees. Determined not to miss the opportunity, he walked 28 kilometers to the home of a family friend, Ernest N’landu, who lent him $100. Against all odds—and despite warnings that missing practical lessons would lead to failure—Jean was one of only 200 students out of 3,000 to advance to the second year of medical school. His resilience and sheer determination transformed what seemed like an impossible gamble into a defining victory.
Overcoming these early struggles shaped Dr. Jean Kaseya into the leader he is today. After completing medical school in Kinshasa, he earned a master’s degree in public health from Université Henri Poincaré in France. Nearly three decades later, the once shy but determined young man has transformed into a respected global health leader. With extensive expertise in public health development and delivery, Dr. Kaseya now leads Africa CDC, a pan-African agency dedicated to achieving sustainable health outcomes across the continent.
Leading Continental Health
Dr. Jean Kaseya, a remarkable medical doctor and public health strategist fluent in English, French, and several African languages, is leading a transformative journey in African public health. As the first Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), he was elected by African heads of state during the 2023 African Union Assembly—a testament to the trust placed in his vision and leadership.
With backing from the African Union and support from global research organizations, philanthropists, governments, and funding bodies, Africa CDC’s mission spans an extraordinary scope: 55 countries and 1.4 billion people. Its mandate? To improve health systems, combat outbreaks, and build resilience against the complex challenges of disease, inequality, and climate-driven health crises.
Dr. Kaseya works tirelessly to bring this vision to life. With the approval of the Africa CDC chairperson, he negotiates grants, attracts funding, and welcomes donations—whether for broad organizational growth or targeted projects. Alongside his team, he travels worldwide, delivering lectures, meeting with partners, and securing resources to tackle Africa’s most pressing health needs.
His approach is deeply empathetic yet undeniably results-driven. Dr. Kaseya has a rare gift for inspiring collaboration and building partnerships, always with a focus on long-term, systemic change. He balances big-picture thinking with practical strategies that empower communities and strengthen health systems. By championing adaptive approaches and fostering global alliances, he has established himself as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of public health in Africa.
Under Dr. Kaseya’s leadership, Africa CDC has become more than just an institution—it’s a movement. Backed by a skilled team of experts and advisors, the agency plays a vital role in the global health ecosystem. Its purpose is clear: to strengthen the ability of African nations to respond to crises and prepare for the future with confidence.
Through evidence-based strategies, Africa CDC is investing in cutting-edge technologies, capacity-building programs, and dynamic partnerships. It addresses the continent’s unique health challenges with precision and care, ensuring that no community is left behind. By driving unified responses to pandemics and other health threats, Africa CDC is not just improving healthcare—it’s redefining what resilience and collaboration look like in the modern era.
Inventive Approach to Revolutionizing Public Health
Dr. Jean Kaseya’s transformative journey in public health is deeply personal. Born in Kinshasa, he grew up in a community where access to basic healthcare was scarce. As a young boy, he witnessed the devastating impact of preventable diseases—lives lost and families broken—all due to a lack of resources. Those early experiences left an indelible mark on him, igniting a passion to become a medical doctor and work toward systemic change.
Today, his work reflects the lessons learned from those formative years. Dr. Kaseya has held pivotal roles in global health, leaving a lasting legacy at every step. As the Global Team Lead for the Africa Health Diagnostics Platform under the Clinton Health Initiative (CHAI), he drove critical planning and policy efforts. As Senior Director for CHAI in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he spearheaded transformative health projects. His leadership in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative spanned 10 high-priority African countries, where he oversaw a $20 million project to operationalize Emergency Operation Centers, ensuring rapid response to health crises. He also served as a senior advisor for emergency response at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, further cementing his reputation as a leader in global health.
One of the most rewarding chapters of Dr. Kaseya’s career was his involvement in developing and introducing the meningitis A vaccine in Africa between 1998 and 1999. Meningitis was then a major public health crisis, claiming thousands of lives every year, particularly in the Meningitis Belt. Dr. Kaseya played a key role in raising $571 million from donors, including $100 million contributed by African countries themselves. Since the introduction of the vaccine, cases of meningitis have plummeted—a milestone achievement that stands as a public health success story for the entire continent.
Vision for Public Health Initiatives
Dr. Kaseya’s vision for public health at the Africa CDC is nothing short of revolutionary. Guided by his “New Public Health Order” framework, he is focused on five critical pillars—the “5C’s”:
- Community: Dr. Kaseya believes in empowering communities by creating health programs tailored to their unique needs. He prioritizes frontline workers and grassroots networks to ensure even the most remote areas have access to care.
- Connectivity: Advancing Africa’s digital health agenda is central to his vision. By championing real-time data collection and analysis, he is creating a connected network capable of responding swiftly to outbreaks and challenges.
- Capacity: Building a self-reliant health ecosystem is another cornerstone of his plan. This involves training skilled healthcare workers, expanding local production of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics, and reducing dependence on external sources.
- Collaboration: Dr. Kaseya is a strong advocate for respectful partnerships. By working closely with governments, international organizations, and regional bodies, he aims to develop long-lasting solutions for Africa’s health challenges.
- Climate: Recognizing the link between health and the environment, he prioritizes climate adaptation strategies. His goal is to protect vulnerable communities while strengthening health systems to withstand the growing impacts of climate change.
At the Africa CDC, every decision and action is rooted in evidence-based strategies. Under Dr. Kaseya’s leadership, the agency remains steadfast in addressing Africa’s most urgent health needs with maximum precision and impact.
Strategic Decision-Making in Health Advocacy
Dr. Kaseya’s career is also marked by his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. In 2020, he led mediation efforts between Felix Tshisekedi, the current president of the DRC, and former president Joseph Kabila, who had formed a coalition to govern the country. Just a year earlier, he was part of a group of 15 experts appointed by the president to help draft a new constitution for the DRC.
In addition to his work in government, Dr. Kaseya held key positions in the Ministry of Health. He served as Chief Officer for routine immunization, Medical Chief of Kahemba Health District, and Acting Medical Head of Bandundu Province. These roles honed his ability to make strategic decisions, communicate effectively, and handle high-pressure situations with diplomacy and tact.
Now at Africa CDC, Dr. Kaseya draws on these experiences to advocate for health initiatives at the highest levels of government. By prioritizing global health diplomacy, he mobilizes resources, garners political support, and ensures public health goals are aligned with broader development agendas. His ability to secure buy-in from heads of state and ministers reflects his mastery of aligning public health with national priorities.
Building a Multifaceted Leadership Style
Dr. Kaseya’s leadership style is the product of decades of diverse experiences across global health organizations. His tenure at UNICEF taught him the importance of equity, particularly the need to prioritize vulnerable populations like children in health programs. At GAVI, he saw firsthand the power of public-private partnerships in increasing vaccine access and building resilient immunization systems.
Working with the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on U.S.-funded projects, he gained a deep understanding of implementing health interventions at the community level. These grassroots engagements reinforced his belief in pragmatic, inclusive solutions tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations.
Today, his leadership style is defined by collaboration, adaptability, and results-driven action. He excels at building partnerships, empowering teams, and balancing innovation with practical approaches to address Africa’s most intricate health challenges. This blend of strategic vision and operational pragmatism equips him to lead Africa CDC through the complex demands of the global health landscape.
Aligning Goals and Strengthening Partnerships
For Dr. Jean Kaseya, open communication is the foundation of every successful partnership. He believes that transparency is not just a virtue but a necessity in building trust and fostering collaboration. To ensure partnerships thrive, he prioritizes clear alignment of goals, open dialogue, and regular progress reviews.
Dr. Kaseya emphasizes the importance of recognizing each partner’s unique strengths while cultivating mutual respect. By advocating for shared ownership of outcomes, he creates an environment where all stakeholders feel a sense of collective responsibility and commitment. To him, these are the essential ingredients for effective, lasting partnerships that drive meaningful change in global health.
Training and Retaining Skilled Professionals
Dr. Kaseya understands that innovation and capacity-building are critical to keeping Africa CDC at the forefront of global health. Under his leadership, the organization has heavily invested in advanced technologies like genomic sequencing and digital surveillance platforms. However, he stresses that technology alone is not enough—it must be paired with the training and retention of skilled professionals within Africa.
To stay ahead of emerging health challenges, Africa CDC has forged strong partnerships with academic institutions and global health agencies. These collaborations not only enhance knowledge-sharing but also build a pipeline of highly trained professionals dedicated to advancing the continent’s public health agenda.
Dr. Kaseya also highlights the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. As the world faces ongoing changes, Africa CDC’s focus on preparedness ensures that African Member States are ready to respond to outbreaks and better equipped to prevent the next pandemic.
Essential Qualities for Global Health Leadership
Leading in the global health sector is not for the faint of heart, Dr. Kaseya often reflects. It demands a rare combination of vision, focus, resilience, and empathy. “Every day brings both good and bad news,” he shares. “Colleagues look to me for guidance, and it’s my responsibility to deliver.”
For Dr. Kaseya, the ability to work across diverse cultures is crucial, as is the power of clear communication and evidence-based decision-making. He also emphasizes the need for adaptability and a willingness to learn from others, even in positions of leadership. These qualities, he believes, are the foundation for navigating the complexities of global health while fostering trust and collaboration across borders.
Balancing Leadership and Well-Being
As Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Kaseya’s schedule is relentless. He often travels 23 days out of the month, juggling high-stakes meetings and international commitments. Yet, he recognizes the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being.
To manage the demands of his role, Dr. Kaseya empowers his colleagues by delegating tasks where his direct presence isn’t required. This approach not only lightens his workload but also builds a stronger, more self-reliant team.
When he’s not on the road, Dr. Kaseya treasures time with his family, prioritizing quality moments that ground him. He also carves out time for regular exercise, cooking, hosting friends, and listening to music to relax. While his busy schedule has forced him to give up hobbies like Scrabble, he finds solace in daily meditation. Each morning, he dedicates 30 minutes to reflection, asking himself tough questions about what went wrong, what went right, and what corrective steps he can take. This practice helps him stay focused, self-aware, and recharged.
Transparency in Communication and Donor Relations
For emerging public health leaders, Dr. Kaseya offers clear advice on building strong relationships with donors. First and foremost, he says, leaders must articulate a clear and compelling vision. Equally important is the ability to demonstrate measurable impact and show how goals align with donor priorities.
“Transparency is everything,” he explains. Whether it’s in communication, program implementation, or resource management, trust is built through openness and accountability. Dr. Kaseya also underscores the value of consistent communication—regular updates, tangible progress reports, and genuine acknowledgments of donor contributions all go a long way in fostering lasting, trustful partnerships.
Donors, he notes, want to see the real-world outcomes of their investments. By aligning organizational goals with donor priorities and demonstrating how their support translates into meaningful change, leaders can inspire confidence and ensure continued collaboration.
Focus on the Present and Vision for the Future
As Dr. Kaseya works through his four-year tenure as Director General—with the possibility of renewal—his focus is on consolidating the successes of his current term while laying a foundation for the future. His ultimate vision for Africa CDC is ambitious yet clear: an empowered, autonomous institution that stands at the center of global health governance.
Achieving this vision requires tenacity, diligence, and a commitment to bold action. Dr. Kaseya hopes to leave a legacy of resilience, with Africa equipped with robust systems to manage future health threats. This includes scaling up local manufacturing of essential supplies, like vaccines and diagnostics, while increasing domestic resource mobilization.
“The goal,” he says, “is to ensure no African is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.” The next few years will be critical as Africa CDC solidifies its role as a trusted leader in public health, strengthens partnerships, and builds a self-reliant health ecosystem capable of meeting the continent’s needs.
A Message of Unity and Cooperation
Dr. Kaseya is a firm believer in the power of solidarity. “The new era we are entering, with its numerous global challenges, calls for increased cooperation,” he often says. COVID-19, he notes, served as a wake-up call, exposing how interconnected the world truly is. “An outbreak in one corner of the world can quickly reach every continent,” he warns.
His message is one of unity and collaboration, not just within Africa but across the globe. By fostering stronger partnerships, sharing resources, and working toward common goals, Dr. Kaseya believes humanity can build a more resilient and equitable future.
