First African Summit on Health Systems and Health Sovereignty concludes with the adoption of the Dakhla Declaration

This declaration reaffirms the universal right to healthcare, promotes equity and solidarity within the continent, and highlights Africa’s responsibility in shaping health solutions that respond to its own needs.

Throughout the summit, experts and medical leaders emphasized the urgent vulnerabilities affecting African health systems. Recent global crises have exposed fragmented structures, limited access to essential services and a strong dependency on imported medicines, vaccines and health technologies, a situation now viewed as a strategic risk for the continent.

To address these challenges, participants introduced an integrated action plan structured around five strategic pillars. The first focuses on strengthening public health and epidemiology with prevention positioned as a central principle of national policies.

The second axis aims to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure fair access to treatment through local medical services and secure supply chains. The third calls for significant investment in training and retaining specialized talent.

The fourth pillar proposes increased financing supported by transparent governance. The final component places emphasis on boosting research and African innovation by developing local production hubs and promoting the strategic use of artificial intelligence.

The Dakhla Declaration outlines a long-term roadmap extending to 2030. The year 2026 is designated for building foundational systems focused on prevention and capacity building. In 2027, priority will shift toward medicine and vaccine access and the integration of AI in healthcare systems. The year 2028 will focus on assessing public policies and strengthening public private collaboration, while 2029 will be dedicated to resilience and strategic preparedness. By 2030, the target is full African health sovereignty built on autonomy, strength and unity.

Participants also confirmed their commitment to supporting this path by improving governance, increasing budget allocations and providing the African Academy of Health Sciences with the resources required to coordinate continental excellence networks.

They also called governments, universities, private sector actors and international partners to join this shared effort, expressing the ambition to make this decade one of African health renewal and empowerment.

Speaking at the closing session, Professor Youns Bjijou, Deputy Director of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health, stated that the African Academy of Health Sciences, now marking its first year, represents a continent that is rising, organizing and defining its future in dignity, sovereignty and health.

He recalled that reducing direct household health expenses remains a decisive indicator of progress and a necessary condition to achieve Universal Health Coverage. “For the 20 to 25 percent of the population living in poverty, concrete and effective support mechanisms are essential,” he noted, adding that this objective is part of a wider continental movement shaped by a shared desire to build fairer and more resilient healthcare systems.

He added that this momentum is aligned with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whose approach to health sovereignty and South South cooperation continues to guide continental strategies.

On this occasion, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences signed two cooperation agreements with the University of Health Sciences in Gabon and Joseph Ki Zerbo University in Burkina Faso. These agreements aim to strengthen academic collaboration and exchange in education, research and training.

Editorial team/le7tv