Zambian President Hichilema calls for more public health cooperation as Africa continues to battle disease burden

Summary:

• President Hichilema urges African collaboration for resilient health systems at the 3rd International Conference on Public Health, emphasizing lessons from COVID-19, while addressing ongoing disease outbreaks and advocating for strategic investments in health.

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has called upon the African continent to enhance collaboration in order to strengthen health systems resilient enough to effectively combat the ongoing challenges posed by diseases.

During the opening session of the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Lusaka, Zambia, attended by over 5,000 delegates, President Hichilema emphasized the need for unified efforts in addressing public health issues. He highlighted the critical lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that diseases know no territorial boundaries.

The conference, themed “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” brought together researchers, policymakers, health ministers, and other stakeholders to share scientific findings and promote collaborative research. President Hichilema underscored the importance of leadership and cooperation at all levels within Africa’s health system.

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the COVID-19 period, President Hichilema revealed that African presidents have committed to working together to ensure the continent receives optimal access to vaccines and medical resources. He expressed satisfaction that some African countries have already commenced vaccine production.

The Zambian leader emphasized the valuable lessons learned from the pandemic and called for substantial investments in health systems. He stressed the importance of judicious resource allocation and targeted investments to ensure effective health service delivery.

The conference gained significance as nearly 18 African countries grappled with various disease outbreaks, including cholera and Dengue Fever. President Hichilema’s call for collaboration was echoed by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Kaseya urged African countries to go beyond traditional health systems, embrace technology, and foster principles of equity and social justice. He highlighted the need to redefine Africa’s position in the global health architecture and break barriers hindering progress in the health sector.

The conference covered diverse themes, including pandemic preparedness, resilient financing mechanisms, African-led innovation for local vaccine production, universal health coverage, healthcare for women and girls, health security, digital innovation, public-private partnerships, and combating infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and antimicrobial resistance in Africa. Dr. Kaseya also emphasized the Africa CDC’s ambitious agenda to ensure that a minimum of 60% of vaccines and medicines used in Africa are manufactured on the continent by 2040.