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Mombasa, Kenya – January 30, 2025 – African health officials have called for urgent measures to strengthen public health security in the wake of recurring outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola, mpox, and Marburg. Speaking at the East Africa Regional Global Health Security Summit 2025 in Mombasa, experts emphasized the need for sustainable funding, technology adoption, improved surveillance, and community engagement to bolster the continent’s health resilience.
The summit, running from January 28-30, was convened by Kenya’s Ministry of Health alongside key partners. It brings together government representatives, academics, civil society organizations, donors, and industry leaders to strategize on enhancing pandemic preparedness, biosecurity, health equity, and technological innovations.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Public Health Systems
Experts at the summit highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks, attributing it to factors such as climate change, pollution, unregulated cross-border movement, and limited access to diagnostics and essential medicines. These issues, they stressed, must be tackled through a united and proactive approach.
Kenyan President William Ruto, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa, urged African nations to invest in research, local manufacturing of testing kits and vaccines, and the integration of technology and community engagement in health strategies.
“The threats posed by infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and other health challenges require a united and proactive approach,” Ruto stated. He emphasized the necessity for political commitment and strategic investments to ensure health systems are prepared to handle transboundary disease threats.
A Collaborative Approach to Strengthening Health Security
Abdourahmane Diallo, the World Health Organization’s representative in Kenya, stressed the importance of community-based surveillance and partnerships in fortifying Africa’s public health security. He pointed out that mobilizing domestic private sector resources would be essential in bridging the funding gaps that have emerged due to declining external financial support.
Similarly, Raji Tajudeen, acting deputy director-general at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called for innovative financing mechanisms, enhanced training for healthcare workers, and more efficient supply chain management for essential medical supplies. He underscored the role of political will in driving these initiatives forward.
Under the theme “Securing Health and Prosperity, One Community at a Time,” the summit aims to foster a continental commitment to enhancing Africa’s ability to detect, respond to, and manage health emergencies effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official sources and statements made at the East Africa Regional Global Health Security Summit 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, ongoing developments may influence the context and specifics of the issues discussed.
