Africa is set to take center stage in global health dialogue as Nairobi prepares to host the World Health Summit Regional Meeting (WHSRM) 2026 from 27–29 April at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
This high‑level gathering continues the World Health Summit’s mission of fostering regional engagement on health systems priorities and practical solutions that resonate across Africa and beyond.
Hosted by The Aga Khan University (AKU) under the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence,” the meeting will convene influential voices from governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and global institutions.
“This is a significant milestone not only for AKU and Kenya but also for Africa’s health and development agenda,” said Professor Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of the Medical College, East Africa at Aga Khan University and the International President of the WHSRM 2026.
“The summit will spotlight African‑led solutions while shaping the broader global health conversation. It reaffirms our commitment to shaping a healthier, more equitable future through research and education.”
Further emphasizing the summit’s significance, Prof. Atwoli stated, “This is a pivotal time in the global health landscape where things are changing rapidly, and even out here we have been having a conversation around those changes. I believe it will be a platform for us to speak for Africa about our contribution to the global health environment.”
The Nairobi meeting is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including health ministers, senior policymakers, researchers, innovators, and representatives of multilateral organizations such as Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Union, and UNICEF.
Delegates will engage in policy dialogues, plenaries, and collaborative workshops focused on advancing health systems resilience, pandemic preparedness, digital innovation, equitable access to quality care, and sustainable investments in health workforce and financing.
Hosting this summit underscores Africa’s growing role as a hub for health diplomacy and international partnership, highlighting the leadership of African institutions in convening forums that are critical to the continent’s current and future health outcomes.
Governments, regional organizations, academic institutions, private sector players, civil society networks, donors, and all advocates for healthier societies across Africa are invited to actively participate in the 2026 World Health Summit Regional Meeting. For details on sessions, speakers, and registration, visit the official event page at https://www.whsnairobi2026.com/
About the World Health Summit Regional Meetings
The World Health Summit Regional Meetings are annual convenings held in different regions to advance health dialogue on context‑specific priorities as part of the broader World Health Summit platform. Organized by members of the WHS Academic Alliance, these meetings bring together leaders and experts to co‑design solutions, strengthen partnerships, and ensure regional voices contribute to shaping global health agendas.
