ECSA-HC highlights Africa’s role in shaping health policies

LUSAKA: THE Director General of the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, has called for greater ambition, unity and assertiveness in Africa’s engagement with global health governance.

Speaking during the Global Health Diplomacy Workshop in Lusaka recently, Dr Kapologwe stressed that the continent can no longer afford to be a passive actor in shaping international health frameworks and that it is high time it focuses on being proactive architect of global health governance.

“Africa must not remain on the periphery of global decision-making, we must step forward as a region that speaks with one voice, negotiates with clarity, and asserts our right to shape global frameworks in ways that reflect our realities,” said Dr Kapologwe.

The workshop was held under the theme Leveraging the Pandemic Agreement, Revised International Health Regulations (IHR 2025), and the Right to Health to Advance Africa’s Global Health Diplomacy Agenda.

He stressed that Africa stands at a historic turning point with the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and the Revised International Health Regulations (IHR 2025).

“The global health architecture is shifting before our eyes, and the decisions made today will shape how our countries prepare for and respond to future threats,” he said.

Reflecting on ECSA-HC’s long-standing investment in regional health diplomacy, he added: “Since 2010, we have been preparing our region for this moment. This workshop marks another milestone in strengthening Africa’s negotiating voice.”

Earlier, opening the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of Zambia’s Ministry of Health, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi welcomed participants by reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.

“Regional cooperation is no longer optional, it is the backbone of our collective health security,” he said.

He stressed on the significance of the recently endorsed Pandemic Agreement.

He said: “This agreement introduces a framework anchored in equity, solidarity and fair access. These are values Africa has championed, and we must ensure they are upheld in implementation.”

Turning to the IHR 2025, Dr Lishimpi underscored their transformative potential. “The revised IHR 2025 introduce stronger provisions for early detection, reporting and one health integration, elements that are indispensable for resilient health systems,” he noted.

Yet, he cautioned that Africa must navigate these reforms with strategic clarity: “We must safeguard our sovereignty, protect our people and strengthen our resilience as these global instruments take shape.”

Dr Lishimpi further reminded delegates that diplomacy is itself a powerful tool for health security.

“Diplomacy in global health is just as important as vaccines or medicines. Without diplomatic strength, technical solutions cannot succeed,” he said.

The workshop brought together senior-level representation from ECSA-HC Member States and key regional and global partners, including the WHO, World Bank, IGAD and EQUINET.

During a panel discussion on the Pandemic Agreement and the revised IHR 2025, WHO Africa Region, Dr Charles Kuria Njuguna shared deep reflections on Africa’s negotiating experience at the World Health Assembly.

“The question now is not what the agreements say, but how Africa ensures these commitments become reality,” Dr Njuguna stressed.