Africa is set to take centre stage in the global health dialogue as Nairobi prepares to host the World Health Summit Regional Meeting (WHSRM) 2026 from April 27–29 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
The high-level gathering is part of the broader World Health Summit platform, which seeks to strengthen regional engagement around health system priorities and promote practical, locally tailored solutions for Africa and other regions.
The meeting will be hosted by Aga Khan University (AKU) under the theme, “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence.” It is expected to convene influential voices from governments, academia, civil society, the private sector and global development institutions.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of the Medical College, East Africa at Aga Khan University and International President of WHSRM 2026, described the event as a major milestone for the continent.
“This is a significant milestone not only for AKU and Kenya but also for Africa’s health and development agenda,” Atwoli said. “The summit will spotlight African-led solutions while shaping the broader global health conversation. It reaffirms our commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future through research and education.”
He added that the meeting comes at a critical moment for global health systems. “This is a pivotal time in the global health landscape, where systems are evolving rapidly. It will provide a platform for Africa to articulate its contribution to the global health environment,” he noted.
The Nairobi meeting is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including health ministers, senior policymakers, researchers, innovators and representatives of multilateral organisations such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization, the African Union and UNICEF.
Delegates will participate in policy dialogues, plenary sessions and collaborative workshops focusing on strengthening health system resilience, pandemic preparedness, digital health innovation, equitable access to quality healthcare, and sustainable investment in the health workforce and financing.
Hosting the summit underscores Africa’s growing role as a hub for health diplomacy and international partnership, while highlighting the leadership of African institutions in convening global forums critical to the continent’s present and future health outcomes.
Governments, regional organisations, academic institutions, private sector players, civil society networks, donors and health advocates across Africa have been invited to participate in the 2026 World Health Summit Regional Meeting.
