When new hospitals are built, do we consider whether there are roads leading to them? Do we ensure that medicines reach the people who need them?- Dr Ngozi Erondu, Technical Director, Global Institute for Disease Elimination
The Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, wasn’t just a meeting of health experts — it was a powerful rallying cry for change. Global health leaders, policymakers, and key players came together to address Africa’s most urgent health challenges. Their message was unmistakable: the future of the continent’s health systems must be shaped by equity, strong leadership, and local solutions.
African countries need more than just a presence in global health institutions — they need real influence over policies and priorities. This was the core message from Ruth Nigatu, Strategy Alignment Consultant at the Global Financing Facility, as she opened a vital discussion on equity. “When we talk about equity, we’re talking about voices being heard,” Nigatu emphasized, highlighting the need for Africa to move from symbolic representation to meaningful participation in global health decisions.
Despite receiving significant global health funding, Africa’s role in shaping those decisions remains limited. Nigatu noted that African representation on the governing boards of global health bodies is still far too low. “This must change,” she urged. “We need not just a seat at the table, but an active voice in decision-making.”
Nigatu called for strengthening African institutions like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Medicines Agency, which are key to shifting the balance by generating evidence and setting priorities that reflect Africa’s needs. “Supporting them ensures that our voices are not just included but actually drive the agenda.”
Dr Mercy Mwangangi, Senior Health Systems Strengthening Director at Amref Health Africa, echoed these sentiments but questioned why it was taking so long: “We all agree African nations need more seats at the table. What’s stopping us?”
Dr Mwangangi grounded the conversation with a striking example from the Global NCD Alliance Forum, also held in Kigali. She recalled a discussion on breast cancer treatment, where the staggering cost of $10,000 (about Ksh1.3 million) per patient stood out — an impossible burden for most African families.
Out-of-pocket expenses for medicines, diagnostics, and outpatient care continue to drive millions into poverty. “What can Africa do about this?” she challenged.
Maturin Tchoumi, Area Head for Africa at Roche, argued that healthcare should not be seen as an expense but as an investment.
“If we close the women’s health gap in Africa, we could generate $25 billion annually in GDP.” He emphasized the undeniable link between healthcare and economic growth, as healthy populations drive productivity, innovation, and economic resilience.
Tchoumi recalled a story from Côte d’Ivoire, where Roche partnered with the government to improve access to breast cancer treatment. “We didn’t just provide medicines,” he explained.
“We worked on awareness, early diagnosis, and strengthening the health system to ensure that women could access care at the right time.”
The collaboration proved that when governments, private sector players, and global organizations join forces, real change happens.
Flemming Konradsen, Senior Vice President at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, emphasized the unique position philanthropy holds in driving long-term, sustainable solutions.
Unlike short-term aid models, philanthropic organizations have the flexibility to take risks, invest in capacity-building, and focus on impact beyond clinical outcomes.
“We can’t just look at treatment,” Konradsen said. “We need to think about implementation science, provider feasibility, and community acceptance.” He stressed that prevention should be a bigger priority. “Obesity, diabetes, and even certain cancers can only be addressed through prevention. That requires sustained advocacy, analytical work, and cross-sector collaboration.”
Konradsen highlighted the need for philanthropic organizations to work alongside governments, civil society, and research institutions to develop solutions that are grounded in local realities.
Dr Ngozi Erondu, Technical Director at the Global Institute for Disease Elimination, challenged participants to confront the uncomfortable truths about Africa’s health systems.
“They were never designed for us,” she said. “These systems were built during colonialism to serve a privileged few, not the communities they now claim to support.”
Reforming these systems means addressing the structural inequalities that persist today. Many African nations spend an overwhelming portion of their GDP on debt servicing, leaving little room for health investments.
“We need to ask why this is happening and how we can restructure these financial constraints,” Erondu argued.
She also called for a new approach to global partnerships. “When new hospitals are built, do we consider whether there are roads leading to them? Do we ensure that medicines reach the people who need them? We have to rethink how we engage with partners to align investments with actual needs.”
Dr Seth Berkley, Senior Advisor at The Pandemic Center, Brown University, emphasized that Africa already has the tools to improve health outcomes but must ensure they are accessible and affordable.
“We don’t need more research, we need to act,” he said. “Localization means getting the lowest-cost, highest-quality products to those who need them most.”
Strong primary healthcare systems form the backbone of this approach. “Seventy to 80% of health outcomes can be addressed at the primary healthcare level,” Berkley pointed out. “We need to invest in these systems to ensure that interventions reach the last mile.”
Prof Konradsen agreed, highlighting the role of community health workers and nurses as the true drivers of localization. “They are the bridge between global health strategies and local realities,” he said. “Investing in them is the most effective way to ensure that health systems work for everyone.”
Throughout the conference, one message resonated: Africa’s health systems need bold leadership, innovative partnerships, and a commitment to equity. From amplifying African voices in global health governance to investing in local manufacturing and prevention, the solutions are clear. The challenge is action.
Dr. Erondu called for digital health innovations to bridge the healthcare access gap by providing remote consultations, streamlining patient data management, and improving health surveillance systems. Governments and private sector players must collaborate to expand internet connectivity in rural areas, ensuring telemedicine services reach the most underserved communities.
A holistic approach to Africa’s healthcare transformation must also include strengthening human resources for health by improving training programs, fair compensation, and career development opportunities for healthcare workers. Retaining talent within Africa’s health sector is crucial for sustainable progress, and this can be achieved through better working conditions, incentives, and opportunities for professional growth. Countries must also invest in leadership training for healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills to drive systemic change.
By aligning policies, financing, and infrastructure with local needs, African nations can move towards equitable, efficient, and self-sustaining healthcare systems. With decisive action from governments, private sector players, and development partners, the vision for a decolonized, resilient healthcare system in Africa can become a reality.
