Gaborone – Today, African health ministers and governmental delegates inaugurated the Seventy-third session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, marking the region’s flagship health event. The session aims to deliberate and reach consensus on critical measures to tackle health challenges, foster good health and well-being across the region.
This annual gathering, serving as WHO Africa’s highest decision-making body, is being held in Gaborone, Botswana, from August 28th to September 1st. Discussions will encompass strategies to strengthen health systems, improve preparedness and response to health crises, address nutrition and food insecurity, and combat infectious and chronic diseases, among other issues.
With the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, countries are working towards recovery from its extensive impact on economies, health, and livelihoods. Valuable insights are being extracted to better equip nations for future pandemics and adversities.
“We are confronted with a multitude of challenges, including deepening poverty, humanitarian crises, and food insecurity… all of which negatively impact our health and well-being. Now more than ever, there’s a vital need for enhanced global collaboration and solidarity, built upon lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated H.E Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana.
Tackling ongoing and emerging challenges necessitates robust partnerships and collaborations to achieve key health and development objectives.
“The collaboration between WHO and the AU Commission Health Department is a cornerstone in the execution of health programs, Sustainable Development Goals, and the aspirations of the AU’s 2063 agenda,” emphasized H.E Ambassador Minata Samaté Cessouma, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.
As nations strive to reinforce the resilience of their health systems for universal health coverage and health security, disease outbreaks such as polio, cholera, Ebola, and Marburg Virus Disease remain persistent hurdles. These outbreaks are compounded by natural disasters linked to climate change.
“I urge all Member States to take resolute measures to provide health services by reorienting your health systems towards primary health as the foundation of universal health coverage,” urged Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “I urge all Member States to take steps to safeguard health by fortifying defenses against health emergencies.”
This year’s Regional Committee coincides with the WHO’s 75th anniversary, marked by year-long activities celebrating achievements in health while accelerating efforts to confront present and future challenges.
Significant strides have been made across various fronts in the African region. Enhancements in public health emergency response have led to quicker outbreak detection. Over the past decade, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in the region have decreased. The fight against neglected tropical diseases has witnessed notable progress, with leprosy almost eradicated as a public health concern.
“We acknowledge the commitments our leaders have made to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and health security. The collective actions by governments and partners to actualize these commitments are commendable,” acknowledged Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Though we navigate a challenging global health landscape, the recent advancements in our Member States indicate a promising future for health in the African region.”
Dr. John Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, urged countries to intensify pandemic preparedness with support from partners, ensuring an effective response to safeguard health and livelihoods.
“The next pandemic is inevitable, and we must prepare as other continents are preparing,” Dr. Kaseya emphasized.
Around 800 participants, including representatives from United Nations agencies, NGOs, civil society, academia, and development partners, are participating in the five-day event in Gaborone, either in-person or virtually.
The Regional Committee functions as the WHO’s decision-making body for the region, convening annually to discuss and endorse regional policies, activities, and financial plans to enhance the health and well-being of individuals across the African continent.
