WHO RC76 Participants “Walk the Talk” in Addis Ababa, Championing Healthier Africa

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Participants of the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) joined a symbolic health walk on Sunday from the Adwa Victory Memorial to Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.

The participants also turned the message of “Walk the Talk” into action while promoting physical activity and healthier lifestyles across Africa.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, African health ministers, senior government officials, WHO leaders and prominent athletes, including Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Commander Sileshi Sihine, took part in the event.

The initiative sought to translate health policies and commitments into practical action by encouraging people to make regular physical activity part of their daily lives and strengthening public awareness about the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

 

The walk began at the Adwa Victory Memorial, a landmark symbolizing Ethiopia’s historic victory and African resistance to colonialism, and continued through Addis Ababa’s pedestrian routes before concluding at Meskel Square.

Organizers emphasized that regular physical activity plays a vital role in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while contributing to healthier and more active communities.

The event also highlighted Africa’s collective commitment to improving public health and demonstrated the importance of moving beyond policy discussions toward tangible, everyday health practices.

The 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from August 24 to 28, 2026, will bring together more than 600 delegates, including health ministers and senior officials from the WHO African Region’s 47 member states, global health leaders, development partners, donors and WHO representatives.

 

Over the five-day session, participants will assess progress toward regional health goals, deliberate on new strategies and resolutions.

The session is also anticipated to identify collective actions to strengthen health systems, advance universal health coverage, enhance health security and improve emergency preparedness across the continent.

The gathering is expected to serve as a major platform for African countries and global health partners to deepen continental health cooperation and advance practical solutions to Africa’s most pressing health challenges.