By Kemo Cham
The Director General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has praised efforts to promote best practices in healthcare systems, describing them as key to attaining Universal Health Coverage. Dr Melchior Athanase Aissi highlighted the need to strengthen primary healthcare through community health and promote innovation and local pharmaceutical production.
The WAHO Director General was speaking at the 15th Best Practices Forum in Health in the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius.
The annual event which also marks the 31st Directors Joint Consultative Committee meeting is organised by the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA -HC). It brings together health ministers, experts, researchers and development partners from across the continent to share and learn about proven methods and techniques to transform the continent’s healthcare systems.
This year’s edition, convened under the theme: “Enhancing Health Systems for Equity, Resilience and Sustainability,” is running from August 4th to 6th, 2025. Dr Aissi was quoted in a statement issued by WAHO Communications’ office commending the gathering as a strategic platform.
“Placing best practices at the heart of our collective efforts is key to building strong, inclusive and prepared Health systems, ensuring Universal Health Coverage and health security for all,” he said.
The WAHO DG also called for investment in leadership and human resources for health, urging African countries to intensify the fight against non-communicable and epidemic prone diseases.
The event opened with a keynote address by Dr. Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness of Mauritius, who reaffirmed the host country’s commitment to regional health leadership and collaboration.
“Mauritius is proud to host this milestone gathering as we collectively shape the future of health systems in our region,” said Dr Bachoo.
In his strategic remarks, ECSA-HC Director-General Dr. Ntuli A. Kapologwe called on delegates to prioritize Primary Health Care and Community Systems Strengthening as well as Youth Engagement and Mental Health Support. Dr Kapologwe also spoke on Regional Local Manufacturing Initiatives and global Health Diplomacy for Sustainable Financing.
“Strong health systems are not a luxury — they are a lifeline. This Forum is our opportunity to commit to action,” he said.
The three-day long event will feature sessions, panel discussions, and exchanges from across ECSA member states.
The West African delegation also had the opportunity to share experiences with fellow regional health experts.
Dr Aishat Usman, WAHO’s Technical Advisor on Lassa Fever Vaccine Coalition, made a presentation on efforts by the Coalition to harmonize policies, access, acceptability, equitable funding, and R&D across West Africa.
The forum is expected to culminate in concrete recommendations to be submitted to Ministerial bodies to accelerate the transformation of health systems on the continent.
