Africa CDC launches high-level committee in Nairobi to reshape global health governance

KENYA—The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has launched the African High-Level Ministerial Committee on Global Health Architecture Reform (AHLMC) during the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi.

The Committee brings together Ministers of Health and Finance from across Africa to unify the continent’s position, strengthen political coordination, and push for reforms in global health governance.

Moreover, the AHLMC aims to provide strategic direction and accountability as Africa engages in key global processes, including the Pandemic Agreement, discussions on the International Health Regulations, UN80-linked reforms, and broader global health financing debates.

Through this coordinated platform, African leaders seek to move from fragmented representation to a more structured and influential presence on the global stage.

Call for equity in global health governance

Speaking at the launch, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, highlighted the imbalance in global health decision-making.

He noted that although Africa carries a disproportionate disease burden, it remains underrepresented in shaping policies.

He stressed that this imbalance is unsustainable and emphasized that the Committee will enable Africa to speak with a stronger and more unified voice.

At the same time, global health challenges continue to intensify.

Recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, mpox, cholera, and Marburg, alongside rising antimicrobial resistance and climate-related health risks, have exposed deep inequalities in access to vaccines, technologies, and financing.

In parallel, declining external funding has placed additional strain on African health systems.

Officials reported that global health aid dropped by an estimated USD 31.1 billion in 2025, with further cuts expected in 2026, increasing the urgency for more resilient and equitable systems.

Driving reform and strategic priorities

Against this backdrop, Africa is shifting toward coordinated continental action.

Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, underscored the need for reforms that reflect Africa’s realities and ambitions.

He stated that the continent must transition from being a passive participant to an active decision-maker in global health systems.

The AHLMC will focus on five key areas: leadership and governance reform, financial sovereignty, data and digital systems, local manufacturing of health products, and pandemic preparedness and response.

Through these workstreams, the Committee will align national priorities, strengthen institutions, and support unified negotiation positions in global forums.

Leadership and expected outcomes

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who chairs the Committee, described the initiative as both timely and necessary.

She emphasized the importance of predictable funding, strong health systems, and equitable access to vaccines and technologies.

Furthermore, the Committee will deliver measurable outcomes, including a consolidated African position paper, a reform roadmap for 2026–2030, and a financing accountability framework based on a “One Plan, One Budget, One Report” approach.

It will also support coordinated engagement in global negotiations and provide regular progress updates to the African Union and the Africa CDC governing bodies.

Strengthening partnerships and future engagement

Dr Kaseya reiterated that Africa seeks partnerships based on equality rather than dependency.

He stressed that the initiative prioritizes implementation and accountability, ensuring tangible results for African populations.

Meanwhile, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 continues to serve as a key platform for mobilizing political commitment and advancing Africa’s health priorities on the global stage.