The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced fresh commitments to support African member states in strengthening their health systems. The move, unveiled at a recent regional forum, comes against the backdrop of lingering gaps in healthcare delivery that were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to WHO officials, the initiative will prioritize three critical areas: building resilient primary healthcare, enhancing workforce capacity, and deploying stronger surveillance systems to manage disease outbreaks. The organization noted that Africa still struggles with fragile hospital infrastructure, limited funding, and uneven access to essential services, especially in rural communities.
Health experts welcomed the announcement, describing it as a timely intervention that could accelerate progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the continent. However, analysts also stress that without strong political will and transparent implementation, the reforms risk being slowed by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
With rising concerns about global health security, the WHO’s support signals recognition that Africa’s healthcare resilience is vital to both regional and international stability. The success of the reforms will hinge on collaboration between governments, private sector partners, and development agencies to ensure sustainable investment in health systems that leave no one behind.