WHO and African Union Renew Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Health Security Across Africa

In a significant move to enhance public health systems across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) have renewed their strategic partnership by signing an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing took place on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland.

This renewed agreement underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing health security, achieving universal health coverage, and driving sustainable development across Africa. The updated MoU reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking framework that aligns with Africa’s evolving health priorities and global health challenges.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration to address the health needs of African nations more effectively. “This renewed partnership reaffirms our common goal—to ensure that all Africans have access to the essential health services they need, when and where they need them,” he said.

The updated MoU builds on decades of cooperation between the WHO and the African Union, particularly in areas such as epidemic preparedness, health systems strengthening, vaccine equity, and disease surveillance. It also supports the implementation of Africa CDC’s strategic plan, as well as key health-related goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as timely and essential. “This collaboration enhances our ability to respond to health emergencies, strengthen national health systems, and promote the wellbeing of African populations,” she said.

The agreement also highlights the importance of joint efforts in mobilizing resources, fostering innovation, and supporting capacity-building initiatives across African countries. With lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent public health crises, the partnership aims to improve coordination and resilience in Africa’s health sector.

Key areas of focus under the new MoU include:

• Enhancing disease prevention and epidemic preparedness
• Supporting universal health coverage through policy and systems reforms
• Promoting access to essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics
• Strengthening health workforce training and retention
• Advancing digital health and health information systems

As global health challenges become more complex and interconnected, the renewed WHO-AU partnership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping a healthier, more resilient Africa. The collaboration reinforces the continent’s ability to not only manage current health issues but also to proactively prepare for future threats.

With this strategic agreement in place, both WHO and the African Union have set a renewed course toward achieving shared goals for health equity, inclusive development, and sustainable growth across Africa.