The World Health Organization (WHO) is gathering in Lusaka, Zambia, for its seventy-fifth session, a crucial meeting amid rising health challenges and financial strain across Africa. Professor Mohamed Janabi steps in as the new Regional Director for Africa at a time when expectations are high. He takes over as discussions about WHO’s future intensify, particularly regarding its role in a world with geopolitical tensions and dwindling aid.
African health systems are under severe pressure. Recent data indicates that external support for health has sharply declined over the past few years, while debt repayments have skyrocketed. By 2025, African nations are expected to spend over $80 billion on debt, a staggering amount compared to their health budgets. A small number of countries, like Rwanda and Botswana, still meet the Abuja Commitment to allocate 15% of their national funds to health, leaving many systems vulnerable, especially as public health crises grow more frequent and severe.
Reports show outbreaks of cholera, Ebola, and mpox have surged by over 40% since 2022, exacerbated by climate disasters. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for over a third of all deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and are expected to become the leading cause of mortality by 2030. The ongoing migration of healthcare workers to other countries for better opportunities further compounds these issues, weakening the national healthcare capacity.
According to recent surveys, donor countries are reducing aid for health initiatives, leaving many African nations scrambling to fill funding gaps. The WHO has called for a “New Public Health Order” to strengthen national health institutions and enhance local manufacturing, but so far, progress has been slow. The Lusaka Agenda outlines five strategic shifts needed for global health initiatives to better align with the needs of African nations.
This year’s meeting will cover several key topics like rehabilitation, oral health, and health emergencies. However, many experts argue that such a narrow agenda does not adequately address the larger systemic issues, such as mounting debt and declining external support. Acknowledging these realities is crucial for creating effective health policies that truly respond to Africa’s needs.
Aghast by the lack of discourse surrounding these pressing concerns, health professionals stress the need for honest dialogue during the Lusaka meeting. They argue that climate change’s impact on health cannot be ignored, nor can the severe labor shortages posed by the migration of healthcare professionals. Data systems also require urgent attention, as they are vital for informed decision-making and effective health service delivery.
Dr. Ebere Okereke, a global health expert, emphasizes that lasting change will require more than well-intentioned resolutions; it demands a recognition of current challenges and practical solutions. He emphasizes that fiscal constraints and climate resilience must be central to any planning for future health systems. This meeting is an opportunity for African countries to genuinely confront these issues, shifting from mere discussions to taking actionable steps toward improving health outcomes.
Ultimately, how the Lusaka session addresses these multifaceted challenges will determine the future of healthcare in Africa. According to Dr. Okereke, success will not simply be counted in the number of resolutions passed but in their alignment with the harsh realities facing health systems today.
For further reading on the current state of healthcare in Africa and strategic responses being developed, you can check out the [Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order](https://africacdc.org/news-item/africas-new-public-health-order-five-pillars-to-build-resilient-health-systems-in-africa/).
