African nations have committed to enhancing health systems and addressing disparities through expanded universal health coverage (UHC) initiatives, as outlined in a communiqué from the Africa Health Agenda International Conference in Kigali.
The declaration, issued after the three-day event co-hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and Amref Health Africa, emphasized increased domestic financing, political prioritization of evidence-based solutions, and mechanisms for public accountability in health governance.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, highlighted the importance of political commitment and workforce development, stating, "The conference communiqué calls for increased political commitment to financing UHC, an investment in Africa’s future health workforce, and accountability and inclusion mechanisms allowing people to make their voices heard."
Over 1,500 participants, including health ministers, civil society representatives, and multilateral organization delegates from 49 countries, attended the conference. Eleven parliamentarians from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia launched the ‘Kigali UHC communiqué’ to advance regional health goals.
Kigali Mayor Marie-Chantal Rwakazina stressed the need to prioritize women’s health in UHC frameworks, noting Rwanda’s gender-centric policies in its UHC strategy. The conference also marked the launch of the Women in Global Health Africa Regional Hub to promote gender equality in health leadership.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame received the "UHC Presidential Champion" award for his leadership in advancing health access. Rwanda’s community-based insurance scheme now covers 90% of its population, a milestone Kagame credited to partners like Amref Health Africa.
Health ministers from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to achieving UHC by 2030, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals.
