The first-ever African summit dedicated to fungal diseases concluded in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 18, 2026, with a strong call to action. The event, organized by the Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), brought together health ministers, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent.
Participants highlighted the severe public health burden of fungal diseases in Africa, which are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Conditions like cryptococcal meningitis, aspergillosis, and fungal asthma affect millions but face critical gaps in diagnostics and affordable treatments.
The summit resulted in a multi-stakeholder commitment, known as the Addis Ababa Commitment, to strengthen continental surveillance systems, build laboratory and healthcare worker capacity, and improve access to essential diagnostics and antifungal medicines. A key focus is integrating fungal disease management into existing national health programs for HIV, TB, and diabetes.
Dr. Justin Beardsley of GAFFI stated the summit marked a "turning point" for recognizing fungal infections as a priority. Africa CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasized that strengthening systems for fungal diseases will improve overall pandemic preparedness and health security in Africa.
