African health ministers consider four draft resolutions in Ethiopia

Health ministers from the WHO African Region are meeting in Ethiopia to review four resolutions at the 76th Regional Committee session.

The session, which began on Tuesday, August 25, and runs through Friday, August 28, is considering proposals aimed at addressing gaps in health systems and promoting coordinated action through 2035.

The first draft, titled the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, focuses on planning, training and retaining health workers.

It notes a projected health worker shortage that would still leave more than 5.85 million positions unfilled by 2030, alongside high unemployment among trained staff and uneven distribution, especially in rural areas. 

The proposed resolution would urge member states to strengthen labor-market analysis, expand competency-based education, improve working conditions and promote responsible health-worker mobility in line with the WHO Global Code of Practice.

A second draft resolution targets early childhood development outcomes for 2026–2032. 

It highlights unequal progress caused by poverty, malnutrition, limited stimulation, violence, and caregiver stress. Governments would be called on to lead multisectoral coordination, secure domestic financing for nurturing care and report progress every three years. 

The Regional Director would support advocacy, technical capacity building and intercountry learning.

The third text proposes a strategy for financing the future of health, 2026–2035. 

It points to plateaued public spending, high out-of-pocket costs, rising debt and expected drops in external aid. 

Member states would be urged to prioritize health in national budgets, strengthen financing units and improve efficiency through public financial management and digital tools. 

WHO would operationalize a flagship program on health financing and sovereignty.

The fourth draft focuses on the regulation of medical products from 2026 to 2035. It aims to strengthen national regulatory authorities, expand their capacity and deepen cooperation with the African Medicines Agency.

Member states would be urged to update legislation, participate in joint assessments, allocate resources and accelerate regulatory reviews during emergencies. The Regional Director would provide guidance and training, while monitoring progress and performance.

The drafts remain under consideration. Adoption would set up regional frameworks, but their impact will depend on national implementation and sustained funding once the session concludes.