African Health Ministers to Convene in Lusaka for the 75th WHO Regional Committee Session

Event Overview

From 25–27 August 2025, health ministers from 47 African countries will gather in Lusaka, Zambia, for the 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa. The conference will be held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in the Kenneth Kaunda Wing.

This annual session is the region’s highest decision-making forum, where strategies are debated, policies are adopted, and investments are prioritized to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa.

Attendance & Participants

The meeting is expected to bring together more than 500 delegates, including:

• WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
• WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Mohamed Janabi
• Ministers of Health and senior officials from all member states
• Representatives from UN agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners

Ahead of the official sessions, participants will take part in the “Walk the Talk” event, a 5-kilometre community walk designed to promote physical activity and healthy living.

Opening Session

The conference will open on 25 August, with keynote speeches from:

• President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
• Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

These opening remarks are expected to highlight the importance of unity, innovation, and sustainable investments in health systems.

Key Themes & Agenda

The three-day event will focus on Africa’s most pressing health challenges and opportunities. Key agenda items include:

• Strengthening health systems to be more resilient and equitable
• Public health emergency preparedness, particularly in light of recent outbreaks
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure healthcare access for all citizens
• Regional Framework for Oral Health — an ambitious plan to integrate oral health into primary care, improve workforce training, expand access to services, and enhance research by 2030

Broader Context & Significance

This year’s session builds on the momentum of the Lusaka Agenda, which calls for stronger health investments, better coordination, and integrated service delivery across the continent.

The discussions are especially timely, given recent health challenges such as the 2023–2024 cholera outbreak in Zambia, which highlighted the urgent need for robust emergency preparedness and more resilient health systems.

By addressing such challenges collectively, African nations aim to strengthen their healthcare foundations, safeguard communities, and prepare for future health crises.

Why This Meeting Matters

1. Guiding Policy & Investment — Decisions will influence how resources are allocated to priority health areas across Africa.
2. Equity in Healthcare — Universal Health Coverage discussions could directly impact millions by improving access to affordable healthcare.
3. Stronger Crisis Response — Lessons from recent outbreaks will shape more coordinated, effective emergency responses.
4. African Solidarity — The session provides a united platform for African countries to set their collective health agenda and negotiate stronger global partnerships.

Final Thoughts

The 75th WHO Regional Committee Session, which is being held in Lusaka, is more than just a policy meeting; it is a crucial opportunity to influence the direction of African health. With commitments to stronger health systems, emergency resilience, and improved access to care, the outcomes of this session could redefine healthcare for millions across the continent.