Five takeaways from AHAIC 2025: connected for change

At AHAIC 2025, the resounding call was for unity and collaboration to keep Africa safe. At a time when international aid cuts have blocked vital health supplies and services reaching the most vulnerable, Africa must "wake-up" to lead a new, bold, approach to get more money for health, and more health for money.

African and global health leaders came together to discuss how to create strong, resilient African health systems to secure Africa's health, development and economic future. Here are five key takeaways:

1. Unity and collaboration will keep Africa safe 

African nations must work together, across borders, to share information and expertise to effectively combat global health threats.

“In the space of infectious diseases and health security, there’s no success on our own. We must work together,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting Regional Director, WHO-AFRO.

He further highlighted the inter-connectivity of health security, explaining that a health crisis in one country can quickly become a threat to others.

“There’s no notion of one country having great health security and your neighbour not having it. It will never work.”

2. Africa has a right to be at the global table - we need to use our voice! 

Regional and global partnerships in health, particularly pointing to the role of organisations such as the Africa CDC and WHO, are absolutely vital in strengthening health systems across the continent.

Africa has an equal right to participate and contribute to global health discussions and that the continent must continue to strengthen its voice on the world stage.

“We have as much a right to be a player and a voice in the global landscape as everyone else. Yes, we want to be strong on our own, locally and on the continent, but we have every right to have a voice on the global stage as well and we must not withdraw from that space, even as much as we want to have a strong African voice.” Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting Regional Director, WHO-AFRO.

3. Prevention-first strategies to strengthen community health systems 

“Hospitals should be seen as garages for repair, while health is created at home.” This highlights the importance of investment in primary healthcare (PHC), clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and immunisation as preventive measures that can significantly reduce future healthcare costs. 

It is also a call for strategies to effectively address Africa's double burden of disease. The sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer requires robust prevention strategies for lifestyle change. Healthcare workers play a critical role in community education and behaviour change, coupled with other preventative health measures, early screening, and leveraging technology, to mitigate this growing crisis.

4. Prioritise domestic health financing 

Global financing for critical health programmes is shrinking. African governments must prioritise domestic health financing. Dr Raji Tajudeen of Africa CDC called for innovative financing mechanisms such as health levies (taxation), local manufacturing, and private sector engagement to fill funding gaps. Dr Githinji Gitahi stressed the need for Africa to re-think and reorganise its health systems to be responsive to the current challenges and changing geopolitical developments: “The traditional ways of financing and delivering healthcare in Africa are no longer sustainable. We must rethink our strategies to build resilient health systems that can withstand emerging threats.”

5. Africa's young people are the drivers of change

African governments must recognise and empower young innovators who are already creating health solutions. Technology and innovation, particularly in AI and digital health, should be owned and driven by Africans to foster self-reliance. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director Emeritus for Africa, said: “Young people are the drivers of change and should be given platforms to shape policy and decision-making.”

For more news from AHAIC 2025, click here.