SHAPING A BETTER TOMORROW
a vision for a healthy, prosperous, and safe African region
-Dr Boureima Hama Sambo
(Candidate for the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa)
NEED FOR A RENEWED VISION FOR THE AFRICAN REGION-THE "WHY"
The African Region stands at a critical juncture. Over the past decade, there have been significant improvements that have led to more people in the Region living longer and healthier lives. Despite these advances, the Region’s health and health systems are facing a variety of challenges, including the ongoing threat from communicable and tropical diseases, growing pressures on health budgets caused by the increase in chronic medical conditions, persistent inequities in health outcomes and weak infrastructure and resource constraints. These have been exacerbated by recent polycrises such as climate-related issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and mounting conflicts
Priorities to Accelerate Momentum The "What"
To advance the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030, WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, and the SDGs, my focus will be on five key areas with gender and equality at the core:
Address the main drivers of the disease burden
Strengthen national and local health systems to deliver equitable, integrated health interventions for all ages.
Universal access to quality health services
Share evidence and best practices for effective, contextspecific health system reforms in collaboration with the African Union and partners.
Safeguarding against threats
Partner with Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD, and others to prevent, detect, and respond to emergencies, addressing immediate health needs, vulnerabilities, and building resilience.
Foster partnerships for local solutions
Coordinate regional initiatives, deepen collaboration, and strengthen capacities to generate evidence and homegrown solutions.
Improve the quality of life and promote healthier living
Equip leaders with innovative solutions and tools to advocate for health across government sectors.
OPERATIONALIZING THE VISION-THE “HOW”
Advocacy and policy Support:
Enhance health Security and achieve self-reliance:
Engage people in their own health:
Health system resilience and reform:
Innovation, digital transformation and leapfrogging:
Leverage strategic partnerships for better health:
Dr Boureima Hama Sambo
Quote
We want a better tomorrow.
We need a better tomorrow.
We deserve a better tomorrow.
Together we can shape a better tomorrow for Africa