Addis Ababa, July 22, 2026 (AMECO): Coordinated efforts and strong commitment from African Union member states are essential to achieving the continent’s development and growth objectives, said the Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi, .
The African Union Special Summit of Heads of State and Government on Health was held in .
President Ndayishimiye stated that achieving Africa’s long-term development and growth aspirations requires collective action and sustained commitment from all member states.
He noted that the Accra Declaration will serve as a key framework for attaining Africa’s 2030 goals and urged all member countries to adopt and implement the new continental agenda.
Emphasizing the importance of unity in building a prosperous and interconnected Africa, he called on member states to accelerate their efforts toward realizing the continent’s shared vision.
For his part, said the summit’s focus on health and social justice highlights the importance of collective action in addressing the pandemics and public health challenges facing the continent.
He stressed that coordinated commitment and humanitarian solidarity among member states are particularly vital in addressing the social impacts that disproportionately affect women and children.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, , stated that Africa must strengthen its health sovereignty by relying more on its own capacities rather than depending on external assistance.
He emphasized that self-reliance and taking full responsibility for the continent’s future are central objectives, adding that efforts are underway to build an Africa that stands strong across all sectors.
He further noted that Africa must work decisively to enhance domestic production of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other health supplies in order to secure its health independence.
Meanwhile, said Africa’s own history demonstrates how much the continent can achieve when it leads its own development agenda.
He pointed out that the roadmap, evidence, and authority needed to transform Africa’s health sector for future generations are already in African hands and reaffirmed that the will continue to stand alongside Africa at every step of that journey.
