On this World Health Day, the African Union (AU) Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Africans enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. In alignment with the AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the Africa Health Strategy (2016–2030)  We remain resolute in building resilient health systems that leave no one behind. This year’s theme, ‘’Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’’ focuses on maternal and child health, a fundamental pillar of Africa’s human capital development. Ensuring that every woman and child has access to essential healthcare services is a responsible, strategic investment in the continent’s future.

Maternal and newborn health is at the heart of Africa’s development. The AU Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal, Newborn and Child Mortality in Africa (CARMMAPlus 2021-2030) has been revitalised to sustain all preventable maternal deaths, improved healthcare access and community-led interventions. Additionally, the Free to Shine Campaign, co-led by the AU Commission and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), continues to advance efforts towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the prioritisation of maternal and child health in national policies.

Strengthening nutrition, promoting primary healthcare and ensuring equitable access to reproductive health services and quality essential care for every child without financial hardship is critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Beyond medical interventions, we must address socioeconomic determinants of health, including poverty, gender inequality and food insecurity, which disproportionately affect maternal and child health outcomes.

Strong political will, strategic advocacy,  community leadership and domestic resource mobilisation must be prioritised, ensuring adequate health financing and meeting the 15% Abuja Declaration target. In furtherance, I recall the AU Assembly Decision on Domestic Health Financing (ALM Initiative) and the commitments under the Abuja Declaration, which calls for increased domestic health financing.  This serves as critical framework that will move  Africa towards greater self-reliance in healthcare investments. I urge all AU Member States to continue prioritising domestic resource mobilisation for a resilient, responsive and equal access to quality healthcare.

I reiterate collective action, particularly in bolstering health policies that are inclusive and locally relevant, as community health workers (CHW), civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders play essential roles in raising awareness, dismantling stigma and advocating for people-centred health policies.

Health is not just about service provision—it is also about justice. This aligns with the AU Theme of the Year 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Advancing reparative justice in health demands addressing historical and systemic inequities that hinder access to quality healthcare, particularly for women, children and marginalised communities. Reparative justice in health calls for: Policy reforms that guarantee equitable healthcare access;  Equitable health financing that ensures  no African is denied care due to financial hardship; and Legal protections that safeguard health rights for all, especially vulnerable populations. By championing UHC, increased domestic health financing and pharmaceutical autonomy – we take pride in the successful operationalization of the African Medecines Agency (AMA), Africa can build a healthier, resilient, more equitable and just future.

On this World Health Day, I call upon AU Member States, regional bodies and global partners to: Accelerate investments in UHC to ensure healthcare access for all; Strengthen pharmaceutical sovereignty through the operationalisation of AMA and the production of safe, efficacious and affordable medicines on the continent; and Advance reparative justice in health systems by addressing systemic inequalities to promote  health equity for vulnerable populations.

The AU Commission remains dedicated to working with Member States, regional bodies, and partners to scale up health investments, foster strategic partnerships and implement sustainable solutions that protect the lives of our women and children.

I thank you.

Merci beaucoup