GENEVA — In a decisive move to fortify the continent’s health infrastructure during a period of profound global economic uncertainty, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) Commission have formally renewed their longstanding strategic partnership. The updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, marking a renewed joint commitment to advancing health security, universal health coverage, and sustainable development across the African continent.
This landmark agreement arrives at a critical juncture characterized by unprecedented financial challenges within the global health landscape. By formalizing this updated pact, both organizations underscore the African Union’s growing leadership in fostering collective action, inclusive partnerships, and regional resilience. Furthermore, the agreement firmly positions the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the AU Commission at the absolute center of the continent’s health policy implementation efforts.
The formal signing ceremony brought together high-ranking leadership from both international bodies. The agreement was executed by Her Excellency Ambassador Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, acting on behalf of His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, alongside Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. For health policymakers and regional leaders gathered in Geneva, the moment signifies a defining milestone for primary health care and the realization of universal health coverage across member states.
Addressing attendees following the signing, Commissioner Twum-Amoah articulated the strategic importance of the renewed accord and highlighted the vital role of AU leadership in actively shaping Africa’s evolving health landscape.
"This Agreement marks a new chapter in AU-WHO cooperation," Commissioner Twum-Amoah stated. "By working together more closely, we can better respond to the health needs of our populations and ensure that no one is left behind. The African Union values WHO’s central and leading role in global health and looks forward to deepening this strategic partnership in support of our shared goals. We need to move from budgeting for survival to planning for health sovereignty."
The newly signed memorandum builds directly upon the solid foundation established by the previous 2019 MoU. However, this updated iteration goes significantly further by streamlining and strengthening collaboration across all operational AU entities. It meticulously aligns joint efforts in dedicated support of Africa’s overarching health priorities, setting a rigorous stage for enhanced, day-to-day cooperation between the WHO and the African Union. At the same time, the document reaffirms the WHO’s central technical and normative leadership role in both global and regional health architecture, cementing the agency’s ongoing commitment to supporting the AU and its specialized institutions in successfully achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reflecting on the urgency of the moment, emphasized that the alliance is designed to meet concrete challenges head-on, particularly as traditional funding streams experience drastic reductions.
"This renewed agreement comes at a critical time, as cuts to bilateral aid imperil the health of millions in Africa," Dr. Tedros noted during the proceedings. "It reflects our determination to translate our partnership into tangible results for the people of Africa, and support countries to leave behind the era of aid dependency and transition to sustainable self-reliance. We are proud to stand with the African Union in driving forward the health priorities of the continent."
The timing of this renewed framework is considered particularly significant by international observers. It directly reflects the African Union’s elevated and influential voice in global health governance—a diplomatic standing notably bolstered by its recent inclusion in the G20. This expanded geopolitical footprint, combined with the WHO’s enduring reputation as a trusted technical and operational partner, creates a powerful synergy capable of driving systemic reforms.
Ultimately, the renewed Memorandum of Understanding represents a fresh wave of momentum for regional and multilateral cooperation. As African nations navigate complex economic realities and shifting international aid dynamics, the reinforced partnership between the WHO and the AU Commission offers a strategic roadmap designed to address the continent’s most pressing health challenges and deliver meaningful, lasting results for communities across Africa.
For further information regarding the implementation of the partnership, media representatives and stakeholders may contact Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director of the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission via email at [email protected], or Ms. Stéphanie Seydoux, Director and DG Envoy for Multilateral Affairs at the World Health Organization at [email protected]. Additional support and inquiries are also available through the WHO Media Team and Mr. King David Cartey of the African Union Commission.
