The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration aimed at improving health outcomes and building resilient health systems across the East, Central and Southern African region. The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation aligned with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and regional priorities, reinforcing joint efforts to advance universal health coverage, health security and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The partnership underscores the importance of strengthened regional collaboration in addressing complex and interconnected health challenges. WHO emphasized that the MoU is focused not only on institutional cooperation, but on delivering tangible health gains for populations, particularly the most vulnerable, across the sub-region. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to solidarity and coordinated action in tackling persistent and emerging health risks.
Under the MoU, WHO AFRO and ECSA-HC will work together across multiple strategic areas, including strengthening primary health care, preventing and controlling diseases, developing the health workforce, advancing digital health, harmonizing health regulations, promoting research and innovation, and improving preparedness and response to public health emergencies. The partnership also highlights the need for regional solutions to cross-border challenges such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance and future pandemics.
ECSA-HC noted that the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship with WHO AFRO and enhances the ability of both institutions to support Member States in developing resilient, equitable and people-centred health systems. By pooling expertise and resources, the partnership aims to deliver coordinated regional responses that reflect shared health priorities and needs.
The Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented through a joint plan of action with clearly defined activities, timelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and effective coordination. The agreement reinforces a common vision of sustainable investment in health systems and regional integration, with the goal of ensuring that no one is left behind.
