Geneva, Switzerland -19 May, 2026: As global leaders convene in Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), Amref Health Africa has announced the launch of Amref Health Africa Switzerland, a new liaison office aimed at strengthening collaboration with global health partners, philanthropy, policymakers, and institutions in Switzerland and across Europe.
The launch comes at a defining moment for global health. Shifting geopolitical dynamics, shrinking development assistance, climate-related health threats, and growing pressure on health financing are reshaping how health systems are funded, governed, and prioritised worldwide. Against this backdrop, the new office reflects Amref’s commitment to advancing African-led solutions and ensuring African perspectives play a stronger role in shaping the future of global health.
Located in one of the world’s leading centres for global health diplomacy and financing, Amref Health Africa Switzerland will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue, partnership-building, resource mobilisation, and collective action towards resilient, equitable, and people-centred health systems across Africa.
“As the global health landscape continues to shift, Africa must not remain on the margins of decisions that shape the future of its people and health systems,” said Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa. “African countries, communities, and institutions are already leading innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. The launch of Amref Health Africa Switzerland strengthens our ability to engage global partners on more equal terms while ensuring that partnerships are informed by African priorities, led by African expertise, and accountable to the communities they serve.”
As Africa’s largest Africa-based international health organisation, Amref Health Africa works with governments, communities, and partners across the continent to strengthen health systems, expand access to quality care, and advance progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The Switzerland office will support efforts to elevate African evidence, expertise, and innovation within global policy, financing, research, and development discussions.
“Amref Health Africa Switzerland creates an important opportunity to deepen collaboration between African health priorities and Switzerland’s vibrant global health community,” said Guglielmo Micucci, the Chief Fundraising Development and Communication Officer at Amref Health Africa. “We look forward to building partnerships that support sustainable, African-led solutions and contribute to lasting health impact across the continent.”
The office will also support Amref’s growing work around primary health care, health financing, women’s health, climate and health, digital innovation, community health systems, and global health reform.
Amref Health Africa looks forward to working with partners in Switzerland and beyond to advance stronger, more resilient, and more equitable health systems for Africa.
Notes to the Editors:
About Amref Health Africa
Amref Health Africa, headquartered in Kenya, is the largest Africa-based international health and development organisation providing training and health services to over 20 million people annually in at least 30 countries in Africa. Amref Health Africa continues to evolve and innovate the approaches to increase sustainable health access among communities.
Amref manages a full range of medical and public health programmes tackling the most critical health challenges facing the continent – including global health emergencies, communicable and non-communicable disease, neglected tropical diseases, maternal and childcare, as well as water, sanitation and climate change. Much of our credibility with local communities and African governments stems from the relationship and trust that we have built over the past 69 years. Our subsidiaries include Amref Flying Doctors and the Amref International University.
Media Contacts
- Chiara Polti, the Focal Point, Amref Health Africa Switzerland: [email protected]
- Maureen Cherongis, Amref Health Africa: [email protected]