https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/44115
News AU reports 137,000 annual deaths linked to foodborne diseases in Africa
March 8, 2025
The African Union (AU) has called for strengthened regulatory frameworks and enhanced collaboration among African nations to ensure safer food systems and reduce the burden of foodborne illnesses, which claim an estimated 137,000 lives across the continent each year.
The call came on March 5, 2025, during the adoption of a statute to establish a Continental Food Safety Agency, aimed at addressing the growing public health and economic challenges posed by food contamination.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomed the adoption of the Statute, emphasizing the transformative impact of the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency.
“This institution will play a pivotal role in harmonizing food safety standards across the continent, directly supporting AfCFTA objectives and advancing the goals of Agenda 2063,” he said.
In a related assessment, the World Bank estimates that unsafe food results in economic losses of USD 110 billion each year, driven by medical expenses and lost productivity.
On his part, Josefa Sacko (Amb.), the outgoing commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment said that the Africa Food Safety Agency measures are taking a decisive step towards transforming the continent’s agri-food systems.
He expressed his hope that the initiative will help protect public health as well as boost intra-African trade by facilitating the harmonization of food safety standards.
“The Statute supports our member states in building robust food control systems,” said Sacko.
An AU press release stated that the establishment of the initiative is expected to boost the competitiveness of Africa’s food and agricultural products by ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.
The African Union Commission has been tasked with fast-tracking the operationalization of the Africa Food Safety Agency, including putting in place structures and establishing frameworks working together with member states and partners.