African countries have been urged to increase investment in science, research and innovation as part of efforts to build stronger health systems and improve access to quality healthcare services for their citizens.
The call was made on April 7, 2026 in Dar es Salaam during the commemoration of World Health Day, organized by Tanzania’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and other health stakeholders including CHIEB.
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Thomas Fedjo said the continent has made significant progress in the health sector in recent years.
He pointed to achievements such as progress in the development of vaccines against Ebola, improved early detection systems for disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, and ongoing initiatives aimed at establishing vaccine manufacturing within Africa.
He said these developments demonstrate Africa’s growing capacity in health research and innovation, but warned that the continent still faces serious health challenges.
Among the challenges he mentioned are the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the emergence of new disease outbreaks and the continued weakness of health systems in several African countries.
“These challenges cannot be addressed by one country alone. They require strong collaboration between governments, health experts, researchers and communities,” he said.
Dr Fedjo also highlighted the importance of adopting the “One Health” approach, which links human health with animal and environmental health in addressing emerging public health threats.
On his part, the Technical Director of the Global Health Security Project at CHIEB, Dr Siril Kulaya, said investment in science and health technologies is essential for improving countries’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to disease outbreaks.
He noted that the project is currently supporting efforts to strengthen disease surveillance systems while encouraging innovative solutions to address health challenges facing African countries.
Meanwhile, the Director of Research Promotion and Coordination at the National Institute for Medical Research, Dr Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, said the institution continues to invest in research aimed at addressing both emerging diseases and long-standing health challenges.
He explained that collaboration with international partners is helping ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions that improve health services and benefit communities.
According to information shared during the event, at least 46 African countries have already developed national health security plans, including strategies to address antimicrobial resistance while strengthening disease surveillance systems and expanding the use of modern technologies in the health sector.
The World Health Organization has also continued to advocate for a new era of healthcare development in Africa, focusing on equitable access to health services, stronger health systems, increased use of technology and greater local ownership of resources.
Experts say this approach is expected to improve Africa’s preparedness for health emergencies while ensuring that innovations developed on the continent directly benefit its people.
