On the 11th of June 2025, Her Excellency Amb. Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) hosted a delegation from the government of India led by Hon. Dammu Ravi, Vice Minister for Economic Relations, responsible for African Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

The discussions focused on enhancing strategic collaboration in key areas including, healthcare delivery, access to affordable and quality medicines, capacity building and the application of emerging technologies -- artificial intelligence, digital health and telemedicine. India’s experience in traditional medicine was highlighted as a valuable resource for bridging traditional medicinal practices with formal medical systems.

H.E. Amb. Twum-Amoah and Hon. Ravi discussed pathways for supporting the operationalisation of critical AU institutions, such as the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). The importance of revitalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the African Union and the Government of India, which will cover among others, health, traditional medicines, drug control, eliminating harmful sociocultural practices and the creative economy, particularly in arts and culture, was underscored.

H.E. Amb. Twum-Amoah noted that the engagement with the Government of India marks a renewed chapter in Africa-India cooperation, rooted in solidarity, shared values and the imperative of building resilient health and social systems. “We recognise India not only as a longstanding partner but as a critical ally in advancing innovation, traditional knowledge and equitable development. We are committed to accelerating the operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency and the African Humanitarian Agency and ensuring that no one is left behind‘’ affirmed the Commissioner.

Hon. Ravi highlighted India’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response and emphasised the numerous works done by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – an Indian global initiative of rapid response mechanisms, which involves some African countries. He added that, ’’From our experience in traditional and modern medicines to our global disaster resilience initiatives, we stand ready to collaborate on transformative solutions that serve the people of Africa. This engagement reaffirms our commitment to South-South cooperation, mutual learning and the creation of sustainable futures built on innovation, dignity and shared prosperity’’.

The principals agreed on the following concrete actions to advance the priorities of AU-India collaboration, including:
• An exchange and knowledge sharing visits of delegations to African Union and to India to learn from their manufacturing expertise;
• Developing tailored capacity-building and institutional-strengthening programmes to ensure long-term sustainability;
• Exploring public-private partnerships to build local infrastructure and strengthen healthcare systems in Africa with India providing the necessary expertise;
• Developing an agenda for the upcoming Africa-India Forum, where a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation will be further developed; and
• Exhibitions and cultural exchanges between the African Union and India.

This meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable health and social systems across Africa - anchored in innovation, solidarity and a strategic partnership.

For further information, please contact:
Prof. Julio Rakotonirina | Director | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission | E-mail: JulioR@africa-union.org

Angela Martins | Ag. Director | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission | E-mail: MartinsA@africanunion.org