By Bunmi Yekini
African ministers of health on Monday opened the 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, with leaders calling for greater unity, innovation, and investment to strengthen the continent’s health systems.
The gathering, which brings together ministers from 47 countries of the WHO African Region, runs from 25 to 27 August in Lusaka. Delegates will deliberate on urgent challenges and adopt key resolutions expected to shape Africa’s health agenda for years to come.
In his opening address, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema urged leaders to draw from lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to confront inequalities and strengthen collaboration across borders.
“Health must be seen not just as a social service but as a driver of regional trade and industrialization,” President Hichilema said. “We must harmonize public health regulations, foster collaboration, and make decisions that enhance well-being across the region.”
Zambia’s Minister of Health, Dr Elijah Muchima, echoed the call for unity.
“The complexities of today’s health threats demand that we stand united. No single nation can overcome these challenges in isolation,” he said. “We must deepen regional collaboration, share best practices, harness African expertise and innovation, and build long-term resilience across borders.”
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the session as “a vital moment for Africa and WHO,” stressing that the organization remains committed to supporting African nations.
“Our goal is clear: to support our Member States in Africa in their drive to build robust national health systems, built on self-reliance, efficacy and a commitment to deliver health for all,” Dr Tedros said.
Also speaking, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, underlined the need for health to be seen as an investment in prosperity rather than a cost.
“We must build systems that are efficient, inclusive and sovereign, and we must place people – especially the most vulnerable – at the centre of every policy, programme and partnership,” Dr Janabi said.
Over the next three days, ministers will debate a wide range of pressing issues, from tackling chronic blood shortages and closing Africa’s critical health workforce gap, to expanding access to rehabilitation services and strengthening maternal and child health. Delegates are also expected to adopt a resolution to fast-track oral health services across the region by 2030, and to chart new strategies against malaria, which continues to claim thousands of lives annually.
With more than 250 public health emergencies recorded in Africa in 2024 alone, health security and crisis preparedness will be high on the agenda.
Decisions taken in Lusaka this week are expected to lay the foundations for stronger health systems, healthier communities, and a more resilient continent.