African health leaders have raised concerns about global preparedness and response to pandemics, drawing from the COVID-19 pandemic experience, ahead of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly (WHA77). The leaders shared their expectations and desired outcomes for the upcoming meeting during a press briefing organized by Amref Health Africa in partnership with Africa CDC, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Africa Office.
WHA77, convening the majority of the African Health Leaders scheduled from May 27 to June 1, will serve as a platform to advocate for global action on urgent health issues, including climate change, infectious diseases, health equity, and access to healthcare.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of discussing the outcome of the Working Group on amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) and the progress made by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) in drafting and negotiating a WHO convention on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
“We have been working closely with the Africa CDC and other partners to ensure that our Member States in the African Region are fully engaged in these negotiations,” said Dr. Moeti. “We want to ensure our region’s specific needs are taken into account.”
The World Health Assembly will also address other key concerns, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and child mortality. Dr. Moeti noted that between 2000 and 2020, maternal mortality dropped by about 44% in the WHO African Region.
WHO aims to help countries build capacity to manufacture essential health products locally, with progress already made through technical support and expertise. “Sustainable local production requires a multidimensional, coordinated approach,” Dr. Moeti stated.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, stressed the importance of involving Africa CDC and WHO in Africa’s health agenda. “Access to quality health services remains a significant concern across Africa, exacerbated by the climate crisis,” he said. He highlighted the severe impact of climate change in Kenya, with devastating floods causing loss of life and displacement. “It’s our collective responsibility to support and protect the vulnerable, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all,” Dr. Githinji added.
In light of these challenges, Dr. Githinji announced that the Africa Health Leaders Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 will take place from March 2-5, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. This conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to continue discussions on Africa’s health issues and collaborate on sustainable solutions.
Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff at Africa CDC, highlighted the importance of addressing Africa’s public health priorities at WHA77. “These priorities include Universal Health Coverage, global health security, and addressing recurrent vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks,” he said.
Dr. Ngongo emphasized the severe health challenges posed by emerging and reemerging diseases, endemic diseases like malaria and HIV, antimicrobial resistance, and high child and maternal mortality rates, compounded by weak health systems and other social determinants of health.
Africa CDC’s second strategic plan aims to improve surveillance, emergency response, and prevent infectious diseases. “The strategy provides a clear roadmap for Africa CDC to deliver timely, actionable data; rapid deployment of expertise to respond to outbreaks; health diplomacy; and well-coordinated regional laboratory and surveillance networks,” said Dr. Ngongo.
WHA77 presents a critical opportunity for African leaders and global health stakeholders to address Africa’s pressing health challenges. Collaborative efforts and strategic discussions can drive meaningful progress toward health equity, stronger health systems, and resilience against future pandemics.
The commitments and actions taken at WHA77 will be pivotal in shaping a healthier, more prosperous future for Africa. Continued partnership and dedication from organizations like WHO, Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be essential in achieving these goals and ensuring no one is left behind in the quest for a healthier Africa.
