Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for Africa to take greater control of its healthcare future, urging countries across the continent to lead in health innovation, research, and system development instead of relying heavily on external solutions.
Speaking at a high-level side event during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Duale said Africa is increasingly proving it can design and implement its own healthcare strategies, particularly in strengthening primary healthcare and emergency preparedness systems.
Why the Meeting Matters
Duale said the discussions built on outcomes from the recent World Health Summit Regional Meeting held in Nairobi, which he described as a major turning point for Africa’s health agenda.
According to the Health CS, the Nairobi meeting demonstrated that African countries are no longer just recipients of global health support but are becoming active architects of resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related health emergencies exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems across the continent, making resilience and preparedness more urgent than ever.
Kenya’s Health Reforms in Focus
Duale highlighted Kenya’s ongoing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme and Taifa Care reforms as examples of efforts aimed at expanding healthcare access through digital systems and community-based healthcare delivery.
He said the reforms are intended to improve efficiency, increase equity in healthcare access, and ensure services reach households more effectively.
The CS emphasized that strong community healthcare systems remain the foundation of national health resilience.
Africa Positioning Itself as a Health Innovation Hub
Duale said Africa is rapidly emerging as a centre for digital health innovation, biotechnology, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He called for stronger collaboration among African countries in research, health technology, and innovation, arguing that health innovation should be treated as a shared continental resource rather than fragmented national efforts.
“Africa must move from being a recipient of solutions to becoming an architect of resilient health systems,” he said.
He added that Kenya is positioning itself as a regional hub for health innovation, coordination, and digital healthcare transformation.
Push for Accountability and Action
The Health CS also urged governments and international partners to move beyond policy discussions and focus on implementation and accountability.
According to Duale, long-term health security in Africa will depend on stronger partnerships between governments, researchers, private sector players, and development partners.
“We must move from dialogue to implementation and accountability,” he said.
Bigger Picture for Africa
The discussions come as African countries continue seeking stronger healthcare systems capable of responding to future pandemics, climate-linked disease outbreaks, and growing population demands.
Global health leaders attending the assembly are expected to discuss financing, vaccine access, emergency preparedness, and strategies aimed at strengthening healthcare systems in developing countries.
