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Africa CDC Appoints First Communications Chief

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 1:56 GMT by The Citizen
      Locales: TANZANIA UNITED REPUBLIC OF, UNITED STATES, ETHIOPIA

Dodoma, Tanzania - February 5th, 2026 - Margaret Edwin, a seasoned Tanzanian journalist, has officially stepped into her role as the inaugural Communications Chief for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the organization, signaling a sharpened focus on proactive and impactful communication strategies to navigate the complex landscape of public health across the African continent.

Edwin's selection arrives at a crucial time. The past few years have underscored the critical importance of effective communication in combating outbreaks like COVID-19 and managing ongoing health challenges such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging infectious diseases. The Africa CDC has been steadily expanding its reach and influence, establishing regional collaborating centres and country hubs dedicated to bolstering public health infrastructure and response capabilities. However, even with increased capacity, the organization recognized the need for a dedicated leader to harmonize and amplify its messaging.

Ms. Edwin, now 39, brings a wealth of experience to the position, forged over a 17-year career at The Citizen newspaper. Starting as a reporter in 2009, she quickly distinguished herself through her insightful coverage of Tanzanian politics, with a particular emphasis on health issues. She wasn't simply reporting on health; she was dedicated to understanding the socio-political factors that influence public health outcomes, and translating complex information into accessible narratives for a broad audience. Her rise through the ranks culminated in her role as an editor, where she honed her skills in strategic communication, content development, and managing news teams.

"I am deeply honoured to serve in this position and to contribute to the Africa CDC's mission of safeguarding public health across the continent," Edwin stated in a recent interview. "Communication is not merely about disseminating information; it's about building trust, fostering understanding, and empowering communities to take ownership of their health."

Edwin's philosophy prioritizes culturally sensitive and contextually relevant communication. She emphasizes that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is ineffective in a continent as diverse as Africa. "Public health communications are most effective when information is delivered in a language, a format, and a tone that resonates with the specific communities we are trying to reach," she explained. This involves utilizing local media channels, community leaders, and traditional communication methods alongside modern digital platforms.

The appointment also comes amidst a growing concern about the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media. The Africa CDC recognizes that combating false narratives is as important as providing accurate information. Edwin's background in journalism - a field increasingly challenged by "fake news" - equips her with the skills to identify, debunk, and counter harmful misinformation effectively. Her team will be tasked with developing rapid response mechanisms to address emerging health rumors and conspiracies, and with proactively promoting evidence-based information.

Beyond crisis communication, Edwin's role extends to building long-term public health literacy. This includes initiatives to promote preventative health measures, raise awareness about chronic diseases, and encourage healthy lifestyles. She plans to collaborate with ministries of health across Africa, civil society organizations, and the media to develop comprehensive communication campaigns that address the unique health challenges faced by each country.

Furthermore, the Africa CDC is investing in training programs for local journalists and communication professionals, recognizing that a strong and well-informed media is essential for disseminating accurate public health information. Edwin hopes her own career trajectory will serve as inspiration for aspiring journalists throughout Tanzania and across the continent. "I want to show young people that hard work, ambition, and a commitment to ethical journalism can open doors to meaningful opportunities, even in fields outside traditional reporting," she said. "The skills we develop as journalists - critical thinking, storytelling, and the ability to connect with people - are invaluable in any profession, especially one dedicated to public service."

The expectation is that under Edwin's leadership, the Africa CDC will become a more visible and trusted voice in the global health landscape, contributing significantly to a healthier and more resilient Africa.