By Patricia Conteh in Nairobi
Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, has called on African governments and stakeholders to prioritize health as a fundamental human right, emphasizing that it must not be treated as a privilege if the continent is to achieve sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026, held at the UN headquarters in Nairobi, Bangura underscored the centrality of health to Africa’s broader development agenda. She reaffirmed commitments enshrined in the United Nations framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that health is a prerequisite for progress across all sectors.
“We cannot achieve Zero Hunger without healthy communities; we cannot deliver quality education to children who are unwell; we cannot realize gender equality without prioritizing maternal and reproductive health; and we cannot sustain economic growth where health systems remain underfunded and undervalued,” she stated.
The Sierra Leonean United Nations diplomat further emphasized that strong health systems are inseparable from sustainable development, peace, and human dignity—principles that underpin the United Nations. She urged governments, development partners, and the private sector to strengthen investments and partnerships in healthcare systems across the continent.
The three-day summit, which commenced on April 27, 2026, is recognized as a leading global platform for shaping health policy and fostering collaboration. Convened under the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration and Interdependence,” the meeting brings together policymakers, researchers, academics, civil society actors, and private sector leaders to develop actionable solutions to Africa’s health challenges.
Discussions at the summit are organized around eight key sub-themes, including gender equity, youth leadership and social accountability, climate change and health resilience, digital health innovation, pandemic preparedness, health financing and systems strengthening, mental health and psychosocial support, and primary healthcare with a focus on women, adolescents, and child nutrition.
This marks the third time the World Health Summit Regional Meeting has been hosted on the African continent, reflecting Africa’s growing influence in shaping global health priorities and advancing context-driven solutions to pressing health challenges.
