Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale participated in a high-level Coordination Meeting of Health Ministers from the 47 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. The meeting was held at the United Nations Offices in Geneva on 19th May 2025, ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly. The session was convened to consolidate a unified African position on critical health issues affecting the continent and to enhance Africa’s voice and bargaining power within the global health governance framework.
The meeting brought together health ministers, senior government officials, and WHO representatives to deliberate on shared priorities and strategies in preparation for the upcoming World Health Assembly. The discussions focused on key thematic areas, including health emergency preparedness and response, WHO governance reforms, and the proposed Program Budget for 2026–2027. These subjects are of particular relevance given the ongoing challenges posed by pandemics, climate-related health emergencies, and constrained health financing across Africa.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the articulation of a common African position, emphasizing the need for increased investments in resilient health systems that can withstand emerging and recurring health threats. Ministers acknowledged the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored the importance of strengthening surveillance, early warning systems, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms across the region. There was a collective call for greater autonomy in health decision-making and resource mobilization, enabling African countries to respond rapidly and effectively to crises without overreliance on external aid.
The coordination meeting also addressed ongoing WHO governance reforms, where ministers highlighted the need for equitable representation of African voices in global health decision-making bodies. They advocated for increased participation of African experts in WHO leadership roles and technical committees to ensure the unique needs and perspectives of the continent are reflected in policy formulation and implementation.
The proposed WHO Program Budget for 2026–2027 was reviewed, with participants stressing the importance of aligning the budget with Africa’s health priorities, such as primary health care, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and health workforce development. Ministers urged WHO to ensure predictable, flexible, and sustainable financing for regional programs to support member states in achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting also reviewed matters previously considered by the 156th WHO Executive Board, reaffirming Africa’s commitment to playing an active role in shaping global health policy. Attendees emphasized the need for continued collaboration among African countries to enhance policy coherence, resource sharing, and collective advocacy at international forums.
In attendance were key regional health leaders, including the acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, and the newly elected Regional Director, Dr. Mohammed Yakub Janabi. Kenya was represented by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, alongside Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health, and Ambassador Fancy Too, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The coordination meeting concluded with a strong sense of solidarity among African health ministers and a renewed commitment to advocating for Africa’s health interests on the global stage. With a unified voice and shared vision, the continent aims to influence critical health decisions and promote equity in global health architecture.
