From the newsletter
Long neglected by multinational institutions, climate health is gaining greater attention from major stakeholders. The World Health Organization and the African Union have rejuvenated a joint commitment to addressing climate-related health challenges. An MoU targets local pharmaceutical production, disease prevention, nutrition and emergency response.
Regulatory harmonisation and domestic manufacturing, which could lower barriers for African pharmaceutical companies to produce medicines locally, are getting a boost. This may enhance industry capacity, reduce reliance on imports and open up regional markets.
Strengthening domestic health financing and digital health infrastructure can stimulate demand for healthcare services, technologies, and workforce development, thus providing growth opportunities for local providers and suppliers.
More details
The agreement was signed by Ambassador Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, representing AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. It positions the AU’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the heart of regional health implementation.
The memorandum outlines five priority areas. It advocates for stronger health systems through harmonised regulation, local pharmaceutical production, digital innovation and workforce training. It also addresses traditional medicine and domestic health financing. Additionally, it supports reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health through the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa Plus (CARMMA Plus 2021–2030) and the revised Addis Ababa Declaration on Immunisation to enhance outcomes for women and children.
Another key focus is disease prevention and control, endorsing AU frameworks to combat both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This includes initiatives to end AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases, as well as to reduce hepatitis. Nutrition and food security are prioritised through the Africa Nutrition Strategy. Lastly, the memorandum addresses health emergencies, aiming to improve the collective response to conflicts, disasters and climate-related health threats.
Dr Tedros said the agreement comes at a time when cuts to bilateral aid threaten health services across Africa and aims to assist countries in transitioning towards sustainable, self-reliant health systems. Ambassador Twum-Amoah added that the African Union aspires to shift from mere survival to health sovereignty and that the partnership with WHO will help ensure equitable access to healthcare for all communities.
Africa’s pharmaceutical market was valued at $155 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $236 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.12 per cent. This growth is driven by an increasing population and health needs, expanding insurance coverage, a more robust business environment and efforts to reduce reliance on imports through local self-sufficiency. However, to achieve true success, harmonised regulations are essential across Africa.
Harmonised regulations across Africa enhance the quality and safety of medicines by establishing consistent standards and reducing the circulation of substandard or counterfeit products. This builds trust among patients and healthcare providers, leading to improved treatment adherence and outcomes. Streamlined processes reduce duplication and compliance costs, facilitating faster approvals and encouraging investment, innovation, and predictability for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
These regulations also increase access to essential medicines, helping to address Africa’s high disease burden. They support regional integration by levelling the playing field for local manufacturers, promoting trade and growth. Shared frameworks further strengthen regulatory capacity through collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
Our take
Integrating climate risk into health infrastructure, workforce planning, disease surveillance and pharmaceutical policy is no longer optional. Doing so could unlock smarter regional investments, improved resource allocation, reduced long-term costs and strengthened national systems.
It also enhances preparedness for both chronic and sudden health impacts arising from climate change.
This strategy empowers African governments to respond more effectively to health threats linked to climate change, while also redefining public health as a means of care and climate adaptation.