Addis ababa: African health ministers, development partners, and leaders from African Union and regional health institutions have collectively agreed on a renewed agenda to expedite the elimination of multiple diseases across the continent. They have pledged to prioritize disease elimination within the broader health and development framework.
According to African Press Organization, this decision was made during a high-level ministerial side event at the Seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. The health leaders endorsed the Addis Ababa Call to Action on Protecting and Accelerating Multi-Disease Elimination in Africa. This initiative focuses on enhancing country ownership, increasing domestic health investment, and strengthening resilient health systems capable of tackling multiple public health challenges.
This meeting coincides with significant progress in disease elimination across the region. Over the past decade, notable advancements have been made in controlling diseases that have long affected communities. For instance, leprosy is nearly eliminated as a public health concern, with only one country yet to meet the elimination target. Furthermore, 41 African countries have been certified free of Guinea worm disease. In 2025 alone, countries such as Burundi, Mauritania, and Senegal eliminated trachoma; Niger eradicated river blindness; and Guinea and Kenya achieved the elimination of sleeping sickness. In other areas, Botswana reached gold tier status in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, while Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles eliminated measles and rubella.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the region's achievements in disease elimination, attributing success to sustained political commitment, robust health systems, and effective partnerships. He emphasized the need to maintain these gains, increase investments, and push further for progress.
The Addis Ababa Call to Action advocates for integrated approaches that strengthen primary health care and deliver results across multiple disease programs. Partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting country-led elimination efforts and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to sustain and expand recent achievements to benefit more communities.
Participants acknowledged ongoing challenges, including funding limitations, insufficient integration of disease programs into national health systems, weak diagnostic and data management capacities, and insecurity in certain countries. They warned that these challenges could undermine progress if not addressed through coordinated efforts and sustained investment.
WHO has reiterated its commitment to working with Member States, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and partners to provide technical support, facilitate partnerships, and monitor progress towards elimination targets.
Colonel-Major Dr Garba Hakimi, Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Niger, emphasized the region's determination to protect hard-won gains and ensure that elimination efforts remain a priority. He stated that by strengthening country leadership and investing in resilient health systems, significant progress can be made to improve the health and well-being of millions across the region.