African Ministers Gather to Rebuild Continent's Health Systems

Strategic Insights -

The 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa kicked off in Lusaka, Zambia, on August 25, 2025, with African ministers of health gathering to address critical health issues and adopt new policies aimed at reshaping Africa's health architecture. The event brought together leaders from all 47 member states of the WHO African Region to debate and discuss the continent's health challenges and challenges to health systems. Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the need for bold, Africa-led solutions, while Zambian Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima called for a unified response to shared threats. The forum comes at a critical moment, with many African countries struggling to rebuild health systems under pressure from limited financing and security threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa aims to rebuild the continent's health systems through unity, leadership, and self-determination.
  • Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema called for bold, Africa-led solutions to position health as a tool of empowerment, driver of trade, industry, and human capital.
  • Zambian Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima emphasized the need for a unified response to shared threats, stating that no country can stand alone in the face of today's health emergencies.
  • WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the forum comes at a 'pivotal moment' with many African countries striving to rebuild health systems under pressure from limited financing and security threats.
  • The newly appointed WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, emphasized a shift in mindset, saying that health should be seen as a building block of prosperity and power, rather than a burden.
  • The outcomes from Lusaka are expected to define health priorities for the next decade, anchoring the continent's ambitions for healthier populations, stronger systems, and a united regional approach.

Statistics:

  • 47 member states of the WHO African Region are participating in the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.
  • The forum is running from August 25 to 27, 2025.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Africa, highlighting the need for harmonized public health policies and stronger regional solidarity.
  • Limited financing and security threats are posing significant challenges to African countries' efforts to rebuild their health systems.

Sources:

Voice of Nigeria, August 25, 2025.