Health Experts Gather for AHAIC 2025: Call for urgent action on Africa’s health challenges

The stage is set for the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, where health experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond have gathered to tackle pressing health issues affecting the continent.

Organised by Amref Health Africa, the conference will focus on the growing burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as emerging health threats.

Speaking at a pre-conference press briefing, Amref Health Africa Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Githinji Gitahi, called for a paradigm shift in addressing Africa’s health challenges. He emphasised the need for innovative approaches amid declining donor support, rapid population growth, and climate-related health risks.

“The traditional ways of financing and delivering healthcare in Africa are no longer sustainable. We must rethink our strategies to build resilient health systems that can withstand emerging threats,” said Dr Gitahi.

Echoing the call for action, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting Regional Director-General for the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling the continent’s health crises.

“Health challenges in Africa transcend national borders. Addressing them requires strong partnerships and collective efforts across sectors,” said Dr Ihekweazu.

Malawi’s Secretary for Health, Dr Samson Mndolo, will lead the Malawian delegation to the conference, which runs under the theme “Connected for Change: Addressing Social-Ecological Dynamics of Health.”

Meanwhile, the Country Manager for Amref Health Africa in Malawi, Hester Nyasulu, said Malawi is bringing to the conference a number of social-ecological issues affecting health service delivery, including climate change and ways to advance community health.

AHAIC, held biennially, serves as a key platform for Africa’s health leaders to develop strategies and forge solutions for a healthier future.

Article first published on https://mbc.mw/health-experts-gather-for-ahaic-2025-call-for-urgent-action-on-africas-health-challenges/