WHO is committed to universal health coverage for all Africans

KIGALI: Stakeholders at the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) inaugural Africa Health Forum have committed to work together towards universal health coverage for all Africans, a key aim of the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development called for Africa to reposition its healthcare service delivery.

“We recognise that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides an opportunity to reposition primary prevention in health service delivery and also provides an ideal platform for catalysing inter-sectoral engagement and action,” Moeti said.

“It also calls for stronger collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders behind the goal of achieving universal healthcare, while leaving no one behind.”

The two-day WHO inaugural Africa Health Forum, held to develop a health vision for Africa, concluded on Wednesday at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda.

More than 700 delegates from a wide range of backgrounds, including academics, ministers of health, intergovernmental agencies, civil society, philanthropic foundations, private sector, and youth organisations attended the event.

It was organised by the WHO under the theme: “Putting people first: The Road to Universal Health Coverage in Africa.” – ANA