Rethinking the Securitization of Public Health in Africa: A Frame of Reference

Abstract

Drawing from the growing literature on the securitisation of public health in general and, in
particular, that of infectious diseases in Africa, this paper explores the process through which
certain health issues are perceived as security and existential threats. It uses securitisation theory
as its theoretical and conceptual foundation to offer a critical analysis of the securitisation of
public health in the African continent and its implications before presenting a frame of reference,
a better and more constructive way of strengthening health systems in the continent.