On the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) hosted the 2nd annual ministerial high-level forum for the Ministers of Health from the AU Member States, under the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP).
The forum builds on the success of the inaugural ministerial retreat held in Zambia in 2023. Organized under the theme "Impactful Leadership in Health: A Whole of Government Approach. The convening provided a platform for enhancing knowledge and understanding while fostering a collective commitment towards transformative and sustainable healthcare solutions in Africa.
During the session, H.E Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, shared a message of solidarity emphasizing collective action and support for the MELP's objectives. H.E Dlamini-Zuma underlined the importance of investing in disease prevention and supporting critical health programs by adopting a whole-of-government approach. "A united Africa is a strong Africa," she said.
The forum focused on addressing critical challenges and strategies to strengthen health systems, enhance health outcomes, reinforce health security, and promote local vaccine production. It emphasized the significance of tailored solutions and identified and shared best practices in healthcare delivery, emergency preparedness, and response, with a strong focus on local adaptations.
"This forum is an acceleration of our endeavour to enhance the leadership skills of health ministers' by catalyzing progress and harnessing their power of innovation, embracing evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration across actors and sectors to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for all," H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General Africa CDC.
The health Ministers explored mechanisms of strengthening partnerships and collaborations among their peers, stakeholders, and development partners. This united effort aims to drive coordinated actions and mobilise resources for sustainable health development. Ministers also demonstrated increased dedication towards achieving local vaccine manufacturing, gender equality, universal health coverage, addressing health disparities, and fostering health security in Africa, with the spotlight on regional leadership and ownership.
On gender equity, discussions centred around enhancing maternal and child health and advocating the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls. In doing so, the continent will not only uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens but also establish the framework for sustainable development and prosperity throughout Africa.
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Another critical area was "Delivering through Technology: Shaping the Future of Leadership in the Digital Age," emphasising that digital revolution presents unparalleled opportunities to transform healthcare delivery in Africa. The potential of digital health solutions is immense, and it is our responsibility to harness these innovations to overcome the obstacles to health access and quality.
The ministers demonstrated their capacities and commitment to addressing health inequalities and promoting health security in Africa. This commitment emphasizes a focus on local ownership and leadership, paving the way for significant advancements in healthcare across the continent.
