The 6th edition of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference has officially commenced in Kigali, bringing together over 1,000 global health leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and changemakers to shape the future of healthcare in Africa. The delegates include 309 from Kenya, 164 from Rwanda, 42 from Nigeria, 74 from Ethiopia, 29 from the UK, 59 from the USA, 24 from Zambia, 20 from India, 40 from South Africa, 50 from Uganda, 25 from Tanzania, 30 from Malawi, 18 from Ghana, 12 from Canada, and 392 from other countries. The conference is being held under the theme “Connected for Cha
The 6th edition of the Africa Health Agenda International Conference has officially commenced in Kigali, bringing together over 1,000 global health leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and changemakers to shape the future of healthcare in Africa. The delegates include 309 from Kenya, 164 from Rwanda, 42 from Nigeria, 74 from Ethiopia, 29 from the UK, 59 from the USA, 24 from Zambia, 20 from India, 40 from South Africa, 50 from Uganda, 25 from Tanzania, 30 from Malawi, 18 from Ghana, 12 from Canada, and 392 from other countries. The conference is being held under the theme “Connected for Change: Addressing Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Health.”
Speaking ahead of the opening session on March 3, 2025, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of AMREF Health Africa, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of African countries working together to strengthen healthcare systems. “We need to focus on community health workforce and primary healthcare and see hospitals as a garage for repair of the body,” Dr. Gitahi said. Representing Africa CDC, Dr. Claudia Shilumani praised Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that President Paul Kagame had recently urged African leaders to explore alternative solutions following the USAID funding suspension. “While I cannot speak for other countries, Rwanda has demonstrated strong leadership in navigating this crisis,” Dr. Shilumani said. Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties. He detailed ongoing initiatives, including expanding the healthcare workforce, investing in modern medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving governance within the health sector.
The Africa Health Agenda International Conference in Kigali will facilitate discussions on urgent challenges, from disease outbreaks and climate-related health risks to healthcare financing, driving bold solutions for a healthier continent.
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