East Africa calls for stronger health systems
East African health leaders are advocating for regional integration and increased local manufacturing of medical supplies to improve resilience against future health crises. The initiative emphasizes the need for harmonized regulations and international partnerships.
Why it matters
Strengthening regional health infrastructure is critical for Africa's ability to manage future pandemics and reduce dependency on external medical supply chains.
East African health leaders are calling for stronger regional health systems and expanded local production of medicines and medical supplies while urging deeper international cooperation, investment and technology partnerships to make the region more resilient to future health emergencies.
The call came at the opening of the 13th East Africa Healthcare Federation Conference and International Exhibition in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on Friday, where government officials, health-sector leaders and private-sector representatives discussed ways to build a more resilient East African health economy.
Workneh Gebeyehu, executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional bloc that includes eight eastern African countries, said stronger regional integration would help countries overcome the limitations of individual markets and create greater opportunities for investment in healthcare.
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