WHO Regional Committee for Africa 76th Session Kicks Off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2026 (ENA) —The 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) kicked off in Addis Ababa today.

The session, which is co-organized by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, will run for the next three days.

President Taye Atske Selassie, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Health Minister Dr Mekdes Daba, and delegates from 47 member states of the WHO African Region, including ministers, global health leaders, development partners, donors, and WHO representatives, attended the opening session to address regional health priorities and foster continental cooperation.

Participants are expected to assess progress on regional health goals, deliberate on new strategies and resolutions, and outline collective actions to strengthen health systems, advance universal health coverage, improve health security, and enhance emergency preparedness.

The gathering will also highlight Ethiopia’s health system achievements, including progress in expanding essential services and containing public health emergencies.

The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the governing body of the regional office. It meets annually to determine regional health policy, review WHO’s work, and establish priorities for health outcomes across the continent.