Africa is taking bold steps toward self-sufficiency in public health, as leaders and experts gather in Kigali for the African Health Agenda 2025. The summit, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center, aims to build a resilient, innovative, and self-reliant healthcare system across the continent.
Former WHO Africa Regional Director, Moeti Tshidi, set the tone for the discussions, urging African leaders to prioritize healthcare as a foundation for development. “As leaders, we must unite to strengthen our health systems and accelerate progress toward global development goals. No one should be left behind in this journey to a healthier and more prosperous Africa,” she emphasized.
Renowned economist Prof. Charles Okaehalam called for increased collaboration among African nations, stressing that health challenges cannot be isolated from broader social and environmental factors. “The urgency to address health’s socio-ecological dynamics has never been greater. We must connect for change and transform healthcare through collective action,” he said, as reported by Nigeria Health Watch.
Dr. Chinwe reinforced the call for decisive action, stating, “The question is no longer whether we have the knowledge or resources to address these challenges—it’s about whether we have the will and courage to act. Our commitment must go beyond rhetoric.”
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The summit has drawn a diverse mix of policymakers, healthcare professionals, and innovators from across Africa, all united in their mission to drive healthcare transformation. The first plenary session concluded with a powerful Inganzo Ngari traditional dance performance, symbolizing Africa’s strength and resilience in tackling health crises.
Key figures at the event include Aminata Wurie, Senior Project Manager; Dr. Mosoka Psap Fallah, Acting Director of the Science and Innovation Directorate at the Africa Center for Disease Control; and John Paul Omollo, Policy and Government Affairs Partner at Roche Diagnostics-Africa. The session was moderated by Safiya Shaibu Isa, Deputy Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at Nigeria Health Watch.
Discussions continued into the second plenary session, themed “Maternal Health and Family Well-being in Africa Through Integrated Care.” Experts explored innovative strategies to enhance maternal health outcomes, strengthen healthcare systems, and ensure holistic, patient-centered care for women across the continent.
As the African Health Agenda 2025 summit progresses until March 4, all eyes remain on Kigali as Africa takes decisive steps toward a self-sustaining healthcare future.
