Remarks by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti
Excellencies, colleagues, and friends,
Over the last two decades, the African region has made progress in reducing the public health burden of communicable diseases including HIV, NTDs, vaccine preventable diseases among others.
Close to ninety percent of our countries have put primary health care and universal health coverage at the center of their national health development agenda.
Despite this progress, our region is not on track to meet the health SDGs.
We continue to experience inequities and inequalities in health, which were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic clearly showed us the need for equity and sustained investment in health.
WHO’s new global health strategy—the 14th General Programme of Work—aims to bridge health disparities by accelerating progress toward health-related SDGs.
The strategy emphasizes enhancing healthcare access, fostering innovation, and tailoring support to individual country needs.
By collaborating with our Member States and partners, we aim to save at least 40 million additional lives through actions taken in the next four years (2025 to 2028).
The first-ever WHO Investment Round is key to ensuring GPW14 is fully financed, and countries can benefit from WHO support where it is most needed.
The Investment Round marks a transformative approach to financing WHO. This game changer will ensure predictable and flexible resources for countries where it is most needed, address health needs, and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.
Sustainable, predictable, and flexible financing is essential to ensure that resources can be allocated where most urgent, eliminating “pockets of poverty” in the WHO programme budget, which mainly concerns the African region.
African Member States have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advocating for WHO’s sustainable financing. They show it today with their presence and commitment to this Special Event.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our Member States and partners present.
Let us ensure that Africa’s voice is heard loud and strong and that its health needs are prioritized.
I reached out to our Heads of State in the region to rally support, and to key partners from the private sector and civil society. I am humbled by the number of countries that have responded positively to this call.
Today is historic for Africa. As African countries, we are here to be contributors and key protagonists in leading the response to our own health challenges.
I encourage our Member States to continue being investors and stronger drivers of WHO decisions, in addition to being beneficiaries of support from wealthier countries. In terms of the economic benefits of improving health outcomes, investments in WHO deliver a healthy return of US$ 35 for every US$ 1 invested.
A strong, predictable, and sustainably financed WHO is essential for our region and the world to meet the multiple health threats we face; and support the prevention of disease based on the vast evidence at our disposal.
I’m proud that this moment will be part of my legacy for the future of WHO and global health.
Every pledge and every partnership counts. Together, we can achieve a future where health and well-being are accessible to all.
Let’s unite and harness our collective strength. All for Health and Health for All.
And now, let the show begin!
Thank you very much.