Central Theme
Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems
Innovation, Integration and Interdependence
The World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2026 was held from April 27–29 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). Leaders, innovators, and changemakers will gather to explore solutions that strengthen Africa’s health systems and advance global health progress.
400
Speakers
100
Sessions
16
Ministers in attendance
Message from the WHS Regional Meeting 2026 President
The World Health Summit Regional Meeting will focus on a theme that is important for the continent of Africa. We will be looking at the rising burden of chronic disease, changing patterns of infectious diseases, and the health financing landscape in Africa and beyond.
Lukoye Atwoli
Professor and Dean, Medical College East Africa,
The Aga Khan University, Kenya & WHS Regional Meeting 2026 President
Why attend the WHS Regional Meeting 2026
Shape the Future of Africa’s Health Systems
Be part of a high-level platform dedicated to reimagining health systems for Africa and the world. The 2026 meeting places regional priorities, local realities and African leadership at the center of global health agenda-setting, enabling participants to influence meaningful reforms and policy directions.
Engage with World Leaders, Innovators, and Policymakers
Connect with Heads of State, Ministers of Health and Finance, African CDC, WHO AFRO leadership, global experts, university leaders, innovators, and civil society across 2,000+ participants from over 50 countries. This is one of the most diverse and influential gatherings in global health on the continent.
Explore Cutting-Edge Solutions Across Eight Transformative Themes
Dive into sessions spanning pandemic preparedness, climate and health, digital innovation and AI, health financing, gender and youth leadership, mental health, UHC, and maternal, child & adolescent health; a comprehensive agenda designed to unlock next-generation solutions for Africa.
Influence Global Health Diplomacy and Investment
The meeting offers exclusive ministerial roundtables, leadership dialogues, and diplomatic convenings, creating rare opportunities to shape global governance for health, influence financing flows, and strengthen partnerships at the intersection of health, security, and development.
Learn from and Partner with a Leading Academic Institution
Hosted by the Aga Khan University–Kenya, a globally respected hub for health innovation, research, and systems strengthening, the summit provides access to pioneering African and international collaborations that model excellence in education, service delivery, and policy impact.
Advisory Committee/Patrons
Visionaries championing a healthier future for Africa
Prof. Dr. Axel R. Pries
President of the World Health Summit since 2021 and Vice-Rector of the DPU since 2023
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, PhD
Founder of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva
Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta
Founding Director, Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University
Mr Elhadj As Sy
Chair, Kofi Annan Foundation Board and Former Secretary General of the IFRC
WHS 2026 Sub-themes
Exploring the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping health in Africa and beyond.
Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security in Africa
Climate Change, Environment, and Health Systems Resilience
Digital Health, AI, and Technological Innovation
Health Workforce, Financing, and System Building
Gender Equity, Youth Leadership, and Social Accountability
Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being
Primary Healthcare, UHC, and Social Determinants of Health
Women, Adolescents, Child Health and Nutrition
Convening Partners
Strategic Partners
Official Partners
