African health ministers and global health leaders have renewed their commitment to strengthening the continent’s health systems, financing and local manufacturing of essential medicines and vaccines.
The commitment was made during the official opening of the 76th World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders outlined priorities aimed at improving Africa’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the opening ceremony, held at the historic Adwa Victory Memorial Auditorium, set the agenda for advancing health security and resilience across the continent.
The session was presided over by Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie and brought together African health ministers, senior government officials and representatives of international organisations.
According to Duale, participating countries committed to sustainable health financing, digital transformation, stronger health systems and accelerated efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
A key priority is increasing Africa’s capacity to manufacture medicines and vaccines locally, with countries pushing to attain manufacturing maturity level three.
Duale said the target was particularly important given the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when African countries faced significant challenges in accessing vaccines, medicines and other critical medical supplies.
Greater local production is expected to reduce the continent’s dependence on external suppliers while strengthening preparedness for future pandemics and other health emergencies.
The ministers also placed emphasis on digital transformation as a tool for improving healthcare delivery, strengthening health information systems and expanding access to services.
Duale said the week-long regional meeting would focus on converting political commitments into measurable results through collaboration, innovation and accountability.
He said Africa was increasingly taking ownership of its health agenda by investing in systems and capacities that can withstand future shocks.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the ceremony virtually, while the meeting was hosted by WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohammed Janabi.
Ethiopia’s Health Minister Dr Mekdes Daba was also among the officials attending the opening alongside health ministers and delegates from across the continent.
The meeting comes as African countries seek to strengthen health security while addressing persistent challenges, including inadequate financing, limited manufacturing capacity and high maternal and newborn mortality rates.