Use local solutions to fund health sector, African govts told
Speaking to the media on March 2, 2025, global health leaders urged African governments to prioritise local solutions to address the rising burden of health challenges.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, underscored the urgency of the conference, noting that Africa faces a unique set of challenges. (Photos by John Musenze)
John Musenze
Journalist @New Vision
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The three-day 6th Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 has opened with a call for increased investment in Africa’s health systems to ensure self-sustainability as global funding declines.
Speaking to the media on March 2, 2025, global health leaders urged African governments to prioritise local solutions to address the rising burden of health challenges.
Hosted in Kigali by Amref Health Africa in collaboration with the Rwandan health ministry, the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional office for Africa and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), AHAIC 2025 has brought together over 2,000 delegates from 56 countries to seek solutions to mounting health threats, shrinking foreign aid and the growing impact of climate change on Africa’s healthcare systems.
Amref chief Dr Githinji Gitahi underscored the urgency of the conference, noting that Africa faces a unique set of challenges, including the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), geopolitical shifts and a high burden of infectious diseases such as Marburg, Ebola and Mpox.
“Africa’s health agenda is distinct, and it must be addressed by African communities and policymakers. That is the essence of the Africa Health Agenda,” Gitahi said, emphasising that foreign aid should not be seen as an entitlement, urging African governments to adopt sustainable investment strategies.
The three-day 6th Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 opened with a strong call for increased investment in Africa’s health systems. 
“If we prioritise self-sufficiency by developing, producing and distributing our vaccines, medicines and medical technologies, our healthcare systems will be more resilient. We must also invest in a strong African health workforce to drive this vision forward,” he added.
Gitahi also called for a shift toward fundamental health drivers such as access to hygiene, nutrition and preventative healthcare.
Rwanda’s health minister, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, echoed the call for domestic health financing, stressing the need for collective action to mitigate the impact of diminishing foreign aid.
“We are at a critical juncture. Many essential programmes are being cut, and while this is abrupt and disruptive, it is also an opportunity to rethink and improve our strategies,” Nsanzimana stated.
He highlighted Africa’s transition from infectious diseases to NCDs, noting that this shift requires a different approach—one focused on lifestyle changes, sustained awareness programs, and the integration of technology in healthcare.
“Harnessing AI [artificial intelligence] and digital technology are key to transforming Africa’s health sector. Prevention must take precedence over treatment. Our health systems must remain strong, even in the absence of foreign aid,” he said.
The conference comes as Rwanda leads Africa in HPV vaccination rates, reaching 90% and has significantly improved its life expectancy from 46.9 years in 2000 to 67.5 years in 2021—making it a model for the continent.
During a media briefing on March 2, 2025, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working with African governments to address funding gaps, particularly in areas previously supported by international donors like USAID.
From right Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Githinji Gitahi the Group CEO Amref Health Africa, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
“Identifying funding shortfalls and developing sustainable solutions is critical. While external partnerships remain valuable, the focus must shift towards self-sustained strategies,” he stated.
Ihekweazu pointed to Rwanda as a prime example of strong domestic health financing, urging other African nations to increase healthcare investments and leverage private-sector expertise to strengthen public health efforts.
“With the right investments and governance, African nations can effectively finance their health priorities. This means generating internal revenue, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and expanding universal healthcare coverage,” he concluded.
Under the theme: Connected for Change: Addressing Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Health, the conference has drawn 50 Ugandan health stakeholders eager to drive African-led health solutions and forge sustainable partnerships.