Ethiopia Calls for African Unity to Secure Health Sovereignty

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba has called for stronger continental cooperation and collective action to safeguard Africa’s health sovereignty and build resilient health systems.

Speaking during a symbolic health walk by participants of the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) on Sunday, Dr. Mekdes said African countries must deepen unity and strengthen preventive health measures, moving beyond a predominantly curative approach.

The walk was jointly flagged off by Dr. Mekdes and WHO Regional Director for Africa Prof. Mohamed Janabi, beginning at the Adwa Victory Memorial and concluding at Meskel Square, Addis  Ababa.

Dr. Mekdes underscored the importance of physical activity in preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases, while calling on African countries to cultivate a stronger culture of teamwork and solidarity to improve health services across the continent.

 

She stressed that addressing Africa’s health challenges requires translating discussions into practical, inclusive and action-oriented solutions, rather than limiting them to conference halls.

“Collective action among African countries is the foundation of health sovereignty,” Dr. Mekdes said, urging countries to demonstrate solidarity and mutual support.

She reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to contribute to continental efforts, emphasizing that sustained cooperation is essential to advancing Africa’s health agenda.

Prof. Janabi, for his part, said Africa can overcome its health challenges if its people “rise together” in unity.

He described coordinated continental action as a long-term investment in Africa’s health future, stressing that the continent’s progress depends on the practical decisions made today.

Referencing the historic significance of the Adwa Victory Memorial, Prof. Janabi said Africa’s collective strength lies in unity.

 

“If Africa stands united, there is no challenge it cannot overcome and no bright hope it cannot realize,” he said.

He further emphasized that every step taken to promote healthier communities represents an investment in Africa’s future.

The RC76 session in Addis Ababa is bringing African health leaders together to advance collective solutions to the continent’s pressing health challenges, with a strong emphasis on prevention, resilience, solidarity and health sovereignty.