The 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) officially opened in Addis Ababa, bringing together Ministers of Health, senior government officials, WHO leadership, and development partners from across the African Region to advance the continent’s health agenda. The session serves as WHO Africa’s highest governing body, where Member States review progress, adopt policies, and set regional health priorities.
Ahead of the official opening, health ministers, partners, regulators, and development leaders convened at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa through stronger regulatory systems, local manufacturing, and sustainable health financing. The dialogue which was held on 24 August 2026 highlighted the critical role of resilient health systems, robust regulatory frameworks, and domestic investment in health to achieve equitable access to quality health services across the continent.
The official opening ceremony at the Adwa Memorial welcomed delegates from the 47 Member States of the WHO African Region and was graced by H.E. President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, who attended as Guest of Honour. His presence underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening health and development across Africa and reaffirmed the country’s support for regional solidarity and collective action to address emerging health challenges.
In his opening remarks, President Taye emphasized that health remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and called for stronger collaboration among African countries to build resilient health systems capable of responding to present and future challenges. He highlighted the importance of partnership, innovation, and country-led solutions to accelerate progress toward better health outcomes for all Africans.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa, Minister of Health of Ethiopia, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to advancing regional health priorities through cooperation, innovation, and knowledge sharing. She noted that the Regional Committee provides an important platform for countries to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and identify practical solutions to improve health outcomes across the continent.
Addressing delegates, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, called for renewed commitment to transforming health outcomes across the continent. He stressed the importance of strengthening primary health care, investing in the health workforce, expanding access to quality health services, and enhancing preparedness for public health emergencies. He also underscored the need for sustainable financing and stronger partnerships to achieve Universal Health Coverage and health security throughout Africa.
Over the course of the meeting, Member States will deliberate on key regional priorities, including health workforce development, health financing, medical product regulation, emergency preparedness and response, and the implementation of Africa’s long-term vision for health. The discussions are expected to shape policies and strategies that will guide WHO’s work and support countries in building stronger, more resilient health systems.
As host of RC76, Ethiopia continues to strengthen its role as a hub for regional and global health diplomacy, fostering dialogue and collaboration to advance the shared goal of Health for All across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
