NAIROBI: The World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 commenced today in Nairobi, gathering over 2,000 global health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development partners. The summit, hosted by the Aga Khan University (AKU), aims to advance solutions for stronger and more resilient health systems with a focus on innovation, integration, and interdependence.
According to the Aga Khan University, the meeting is being held in partnership with the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health Kenya, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. It features more than 80 sessions dedicated to strengthening health systems resilience, advancing universal health coverage, and accelerating global health innovation. Kenya’s President, Dr. William Ruto, officially opened the summit, highlighting the need for a shift in Africa’s role within the global health architecture and urging for transformation through strategic investment and accountability.
Professor Axel Pries, President of the World Health Summit, emphasized the meeting’s significance in translating dialogue into coordinated action, while Professor Lukoye, International President of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting and Dean of AKU Medical College East Africa, stressed Africa’s role as a co-author in global health policy. Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President and Vice Chancellor of AKU, noted the sector’s growing capacity to integrate systems and harness technology for quality health care.
Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi of WHO highlighted the summit as a historic collaboration opportunity to meet current health challenges, while Mary Muthoni from Kenya’s Ministry of Health underscored the importance of proactive pandemic preparedness. Dr. Jean Kaseya from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention called for mobilizing investment and advancing African-led health solutions.
The summit continues with discussions on health financing, workforce development, digital health innovation, and the intersection of climate and health, reinforcing the importance of multilateral cooperation in global health improvement.