Advancing the Lusaka Agenda: Key Outcomes from the 74th WHO Afro Regional Committee Meeting

• September 5, 2024
• 74th WHO Afro Regional Committee Meeting / Brazzaville / Lusaka Agenda
• By Fassika Alemayehu
• Read in French

The 74th WHO Afro Regional Committee Meeting, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, marked a crucial moment in the journey toward realizing the Lusaka Agenda—a transformative framework aimed at reshaping Africa’s health systems for greater resilience and equity. The Lusaka Agenda, launched to strengthen Africa’s health systems, was a central focus at this meeting. During a significant side event titled “Advancing Africa’s Leadership and Unified Voice Towards the Realization of the Lusaka Agenda,” African health ministers and other key stakeholders gathered to take stock of the progress and outline the next steps for implementing this vital initiative.

A Renewed Focus on African-Led Health Solutions

The event highlighted a powerful shift toward African ownership of health outcomes. , emphasized that the success of the Lusaka Agenda hinges on African countries taking the lead in its implementation. “It is incumbent on us to ensure that the Lusaka Agenda is implemented and applied,” Dr. Kaseya asserted. He stressed the need for ministers of health to drive this agenda at the country level, developing national plans that align with the Agenda’s goals and ensuring that partners are held accountable.

This sentiment was echoed by H.E. Dr. Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Health of South Africa and ACB board Chair, who described the Lusaka Agenda as more than a set of recommendations. “The Lusaka Agenda is a strategic roadmap designed to address Africa’s unique health challenges by fostering alignment, coherence, and sustainability in our initiatives,” Dr. Phaahla said. He emphasized that these shifts are essential, particularly in the face of economic pressures and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read: Towards Collective Action: Africa’s Path to Implementing the Lusaka Agenda

Ministers of Health: The Vanguard of Implementation

African health ministers at the event reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the Lusaka Agenda is fully integrated into their national health strategies. This integration is seen as crucial for creating a unified and coherent approach to health governance across the continent.

Malawi, for instance, has already begun operationalizing the Lusaka Agenda by shifting from vertical health programs to a more integrated, service-oriented system with a strong focus on primary health care. Malawi’s approach, which includes the development of a “One Plan” to align donor and country priorities, was highlighted as a model for other countries.

Similarly, Ethiopia underscored the importance of demonstrating collective commitment by advocating for harmonized external assistance that aligns with national priorities. Ethiopia is spearheading efforts to increase country ownership and push for more equitable representation in global health governance, viewing the Lusaka Agenda as a critical tool for achieving these goals.

The Path Forward: Concrete Steps and Unified Action

As discussions unfolded, it became evident that the Lusaka Agenda is more than just a policy framework—it is a call to action. African health ministers and their partners agreed on the Regional Roadmap to guide the implementation of the Agenda. This roadmap will serve as a strategic tool for African countries, helping them navigate the complex landscape of global health initiatives while ensuring alignment with the Lusaka Agenda’s goals.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of domestic resource mobilization. Countries like Mozambique and Nigeria highlighted the need to strengthen domestic financing mechanisms to reduce dependency on external funding, a critical element of the Lusaka Agenda.

Senegal and South Sudan stressed the importance of the five key shifts outlined in the Lusaka Agenda, particularly the need for a unified African voice in global health discussions. These shifts include enhancing primary health care through health system strengthening, improving equity in health outcomes, and increasing strategic coherence in health governance.

The Role of Partners

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) also made their voices heard, emphasizing the need for tangible action on the Lusaka Agenda. They called for greater inclusion in the decision-making process, ensuring that the Agenda reflects the needs and rights of the communities it aims to serve. Additionally, Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) expressed their readiness to align their efforts with the Lusaka Agenda, underscoring their commitment to supporting Africa’s health priorities.

With Africa CDC mandated to lead the implementation of the Lusaka Agenda, the framework is set to be more than just a guiding document. Africa CDC, under the leadership of member states,  in collaboration with partners like WHO/AFRO, the Africa Constituency Bureau (ACB), the   African Union Commission (AUC), will ensure that the Agenda’s goals are translated into concrete actions across the continent.

A Unified African Voice in Global Health

The side event at the 74th WHO/AFRO Regional Committee Meeting was more than a discussion—it reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to leading its health destiny. The Lusaka Agenda, with its focus on primary health care, sustainable financing,  equity, strategic and operational coherence and coordinated approaches to products, research and development, represents Africa’s collective voice in the global health arena.

As the continent continues to face complex health challenges, the Agenda serves as a blueprint for African-led solutions that are innovative and grounded in the continent’s unique context. The outcomes of this meeting do more than reaffirm Africa’s dedication to the Lusaka Agenda—they set the stage for accelerated action, ensuring that Africa’s health future is shaped by African-led solutions. With unwavering commitment and collaboration, the Lusaka Agenda will serve as a beacon for transformative health outcomes across the continent.

Fassika Alemayehu