UK-Africa Health Summit Drives Collaboration for Health System Transformation

Examiner —The two-day UK-Africa Health Summit, hosted by Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) at the Royal College of Physicians in London, concluded on a high note, with stakeholders unanimously agreeing to strengthen collaboration in transforming health systems. The event brought together leaders from the UK, African governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and global health organizations to explore innovative approaches to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and addressing critical health challenges.

The summit focused on how health partnerships can serve as a catalyst for achieving the UK’s domestic and global health priorities. Participants emphasized the importance of fostering modern, equitable partnerships rooted in trust and mutual respect. Key discussions also highlighted the role of the diaspora in building sustainable health systems globally, including the support needed for diaspora professionals to thrive in the UK health system and advocate for global health initiatives.

Reflections were shared on the outcomes of the 2024 UN High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), lessons from global capacity-building programs, and strategies to strengthen the global health workforce. Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, acknowledged significant progress in addressing funding gaps and integrating health services. However, he also pointed out ongoing challenges in disease management and specialized workforce training, calling for enhanced global partnerships to bridge these gaps.

Penny Walker Robertson from the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care underscored the value of mutually beneficial global partnerships in addressing AMR. She highlighted how NHS staff can learn from diverse health contexts to develop innovative solutions. Dr. Aneesa Ahmed of AMREF Health Africa UK emphasized the need for a “One Health” approach to tackle AMR, addressing the misuse of antibiotics across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to drive systemic change.

The summit reinforced the idea that collaboration is the cornerstone of future healthcare systems. By sharing knowledge and resources, stakeholders can not only treat patients but also transform health systems to be more resilient and equitable. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, stressed that health security is a global priority, emphasizing that investments in healthcare workers and infrastructure benefit all nations.

Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation beyond medicine. He advocated for building sustainable health systems that can withstand future challenges. The summit also explored how global workforce development, investment, and sustained impact in health partnerships can advance both UK and global health priorities while supporting UHC goals.

Ben Simms, CEO of Global Health Partnerships, expressed gratitude for the insightful discussions and commitments made during the summit. He thanked participants for their contributions and urged continued collaboration to build stronger health systems. Moses Mulimira, Global Health Partnerships’ Diaspora Engagement Advisor and summit organizer, also acknowledged the Ugandan Ministry of Health, particularly Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, for their dedication to fostering mutually beneficial global health partnerships.

The event, attended by approximately 500 guests, focused on solution-oriented debates to develop strategies for a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable future. The summit was made possible with support from UK International Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Aid, and other partners. The resounding success of the summit underscores the importance of collective action in addressing global health challenges and achieving transformative change.