ECSA-HC Participates in the 75th WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) joined African health ministers today in Lusaka, Zambia, for the opening of the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa (RC75), the continent’s highest decision-making body on health.

Ministers of Health from 47 African countries of WHO AFRO, including those from the ECSA-HC region, are convening from 25 to 27 August 2025 to deliberate on strategies for tackling pressing health challenges and to adopt key resolutions aimed at improving public health across the region.

Opening Address

In his keynote speech, the President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, emphasized the need to apply lessons learned from previous outbreaks and pandemics to strengthen health diplomacy and address health inequalities across the continent. He further underscored the importance of building resilient health systems that are prepared to respond to emergencies while ensuring equity in access to essential health services.

High-Level Participation

The session was attended by:

• Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

• Ministers of Health from 47 WHO AFRO Member States

• Representatives of Africa CDC, regional economic communities, and international partners

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) joined other regional bodies in reaffirming its commitment to supporting Member States in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), strengthening health security, and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

A Shared Vision for Africa’s Health

RC75 provides a vital platform for Member States and partners to review progress, share lessons, and adopt resolutions that will shape the future of public health in Africa. ECSA-HC is actively contributing to these discussions, ensuring that the priorities of the East, Central and Southern Africa region are well represented and aligned with continental and global health goals.