The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for a decisive shift from commitments to implementation to advance Africa’s health agenda.
In his keynote address at the extraordinary session of the AU assembly on Africa’s health issue in Accra, Ghana, Youssouf said the AU is set to end AIDS, eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, combat communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthen resilient health systems, and advance Universal Health Coverage in the coming few years.
Emphasising that Africa’s health sovereignty depends on stronger domestic financing, local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines, robust regulatory systems, research and innovation, and sustained political leadership, he urged member states to translate the Accra Declaration and national pledges into measurable action.
“Future generations will remember this Summit not for our speeches, but for whether we changed the trajectory of health in Africa,” Youssouf added.
Africa bears a disproportionate burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. The continent accounts for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and deaths, with children under five and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable.
Nearly two-thirds of the global HIV burden is in Africa, leading to profound social and economic consequences. Despite progress in treatment and prevention, the epidemic remains a major public health issue.
The burden of ill health disproportionately affects children, with 60 percent of children under five being anemic. Food poverty affects 75% of children, with severe levels impacting 32 percent.
Many regions in Africa, particularly rural areas, lack adequate healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that sub-Saharan Africa has only 1.3 health workers per 1,000 people, far below the recommended minimum of 4.5.
The extraordinary session brought together African leaders and key partners to advance collective action towards ending AIDS and tuberculosis, improving maternal and child health, strengthening resilient health systems, and accelerating Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
MG/as/APA