Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (FMC) — Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Workneh Gebeyehu has called for stronger investment, local production and regional cooperation to build resilient health systems capable of delivering quality healthcare across East Africa.
Workneh made the call while leading an IGAD delegation to the 13th East Africa Healthcare Federation Conference and International Health Exhibition in Addis Ababa, bringing together health ministers, policymakers, healthcare leaders, investors and innovators.
He said health sovereignty underpins national sovereignty, economic resilience and shared prosperity, stressing that East Africa has the talent, innovation and ambition to build resilient health systems, create jobs, attract investment and strengthen local manufacturing.
Workneh urged the region to move from dependency to capacity, from aid to investment, and from importing solutions to developing African solutions.
He also invoked the legacy of Adwa, saying Africa’s history demonstrates its ability to determine its own destiny and that the continent must now demonstrate the same capacity in securing its health.
According to IGAD, Africa’s health future will depend on its ability to finance, produce and deliver quality healthcare at scale.
The regional body said it is supporting Member States to strengthen health cooperation through regional frameworks, investments in essential equipment—including ambulances, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) kits and ICT infrastructure—and financing mobilized through global partnerships.
Workneh said the broader ambition should be stronger African health systems capable of delivering quality healthcare for everyone, everywhere.