Opening Remarks by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti
Dear colleagues, good evening. I would like to welcome each of you and thank you for joining us this evening.
As Dr Kaseya mentioned, Africa faces unprecedented public health events.
This includes a significant increase in climate-related health emergencies, accounting for more than half of all public health events on the continent.
At least 17 of the world’s 20 countries most threatened by climate change are in Africa, and climate change already impacts 2 to 9 percent of national budgets across the continent.
Extreme weather events have triggered a food insecurity crisis in the Greater Horn of Africa.
Heavy rains caused by El Niño displaced over 4 million people, while flooding has increased infectious disease spread. Cholera outbreaks have been reported in four countries, and measles and malaria have been reported across all seven countries. Dengue fever cases have also been reported in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Somalia.
The Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP) is our solution to these health crises!
Tonight, we mark a significant milestone—the first anniversary of the launch of the JEAP, which aims to build resilient health systems across the continent through collaboration and innovation.
In just one year, the JEAP has successfully -
- Built a force of over 1,300 skilled first responders, the AVoHC-SURGE, who can be rapidly deployed to countries facing health emergencies.
- Strategically positioned regional hubs in Kenya and Senegal to deliver essential health supplies within 48 hours of a crisis.
- Supported four multi-country proposals applying to the second funding cycle of the Pandemic Fund.
- Operationalized a strategic plan for Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, establishing a robust network equipped with training, resources, and innovative information management tools.
But our work is far from over. The scale and frequency of health emergencies in Africa demands sustained commitment.
Now, more than ever, we must prioritize investment in robust emergency preparedness and response and commit to working together to better prepare for and protect communities from the next public health threat.
Tonight, we invite you to join us as we collaborate to strengthen the resilience of our nations.
Together, we can harness our collective voices, strengthen Africa, and make it more resilient before present and future health crises.
Once again, I thank you for your interest and your attention.
Thank you.