Addis ababa: African health ministers, development partners, and leaders from the African Union and regional health institutions have agreed on a renewed continental agenda to accelerate the elimination of multiple diseases in Africa. This commitment was made during a high-level ministerial side event at the Seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where health leaders pledged to keep disease elimination a priority within the broader health and development agenda.
According to African Press Organization, the health leaders also endorsed the Addis Ababa Call to Action on Protecting and Accelerating Multi-Disease Elimination in Africa. This initiative aims to boost country ownership, increase domestic investment in health, and improve resilient health systems capable of addressing multiple public health challenges. The region has made significant progress in the past decade, particularly in eliminating neglected tropical diseases. Notable achievements include the near elimination of leprosy and the certification of 41 African countries as free from Guinea worm disease. Additionally, countries like Burundi, Mauritania, and Senegal have eliminated trachoma, while Niger became the first African nation to eliminate river blindness. Other successes include Botswana's gold tier status in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, and the elimination of measles and rubella in Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of sustaining these gains through continued investment and effort. The Addis Ababa Call to Action advocates for integrated approaches that strengthen primary health care and deliver results across various disease programs. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting country-led elimination efforts and highlighted the need for collaboration to sustain and expand recent achievements.
Participants acknowledged ongoing challenges such as funding constraints, limited integration of disease programs, weak diagnostic and data management capacity, and insecurity in some countries. These issues could potentially reverse progress if not addressed through coordinated action and sustained investment. WHO has pledged to work with Member States, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and partners to provide technical support, facilitate partnerships, and monitor progress towards elimination targets.
Colonel-Major Dr. Garba Hakimi, Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Niger, expressed the region's collective determination to maintain the momentum of elimination efforts. By strengthening country leadership and investing in resilient health systems, the region aims to accelerate progress and improve health outcomes for millions across Africa.
