Addis ababa: African health ministers, development partners, and heads of African Union and regional health institutions have unanimously agreed on a renewed continental agenda to accelerate the elimination of multiple diseases in the region. This commitment was made during a high-level ministerial side event held on the margins of the Seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, ensuring that disease elimination remains a priority within the broader health and development agenda.
According to African Press Organization, the health leaders endorsed the Addis Ababa Call to Action on Protecting and Accelerating Multi-Disease Elimination in Africa. This initiative aims to boost country ownership, increase domestic investment in health, and improve resilient health systems capable of responding to multiple public health challenges. The meeting took place at a time when the region is making significant strides in eliminating and controlling diseases that have long burdened communities.
Over the past decade, there has been notable progress in the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. Leprosy has been nearly eliminated as a public health problem in the region, with only one country yet to achieve the elimination target. Furthermore, 41 African countries have been certified free of Guinea worm disease, a debilitating parasitic infection. In 2025 alone, countries like Burundi, Mauritania, and Senegal eliminated trachoma; Niger became the first African country to eliminate river blindness; and Guinea and Kenya eliminated sleeping sickness. Additionally, Botswana achieved gold tier status on the Path to Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, while Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles eliminated measles and rubella.
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the region's progress towards multiple disease elimination goals. He stated that these achievements highlight the impact of sustained political commitment, strong health systems, and effective partnerships. Dr Janabi stressed the importance of sustaining these gains, investing more, and pushing further.
The Addis Ababa Call to Action highlighted the necessity of moving beyond disease-specific interventions towards integrated approaches that strengthen primary health care and deliver results across multiple disease programs. Partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting country-led elimination efforts and underscored the need for continued collaboration to ensure that recent achievements are sustained and expanded to benefit more communities across the region.
Participants also recognized persistent challenges, including funding constraints, limited integration of disease programs into national health systems, weak diagnostic and data management capacity, and insecurity in some countries. They noted that these challenges could reverse hard-won gains if not addressed through coordinated action and sustained investment.
WHO 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, stated that the call to action reflects the region's collective determination to protect hard-won gains and prioritize elimination efforts. By strengthening country leadership and investing in resilient health systems, progress can be accelerated, improving the health and well-being of millions across the region.