The World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) Commission have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva that took place from May 19th to 27th, 2025.
This renewed agreement underscores the joint commitment to advancing health security, universal health coverage, and sustainable development across the African continent, amidst unprecedented financial challenges in the global health landscape.
The agreement, signed by AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Ambassador Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, marks a defining moment for primary health care and universal health coverage. Commissioner Twum-Amoah emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, highlighting the AU’s leadership in shaping Africa’s health landscape and the need to move from survival to health sovereignty.
The renewed agreement streamlines and strengthens collaboration across all AU entities, aligning efforts in support of Africa’s health priorities. It sets the stage for enhanced cooperation between WHO and the AU, reaffirming WHO’s central technical and normative leadership role in global and regional health. The partnership will focus on key areas, including health systems strengthening, reproductive and maternal health, disease prevention and control, nutrition and food security, and health in emergency settings.
Dr. Tedros noted that the renewed agreement comes at a critical time, as cuts to bilateral aid imperil the health of millions in Africa. He emphasized the determination to translate the partnership into tangible results for the people of Africa, supporting countries to transition to sustainable self-reliance.
The timing of the renewed partnership reflects the AU’s growing influence in global health governance, amplified by its recent G20 membership. It also reinforces WHO’s role as a key technical ally in supporting Africa’s health ambitions. By pooling resources and expertise, the two bodies aim to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goals while navigating complex challenges, from vaccine equity to pandemic recovery.
The partnership aims to deliver meaningful, lasting results on the continent, addressing Africa’s most pressing health challenges. With the African Union’s elevated voice in global health governance and WHO’s ongoing key role as a trusted technical and operational partner, this renewed MoU marks new momentum for regional and multilateral cooperation.
Source: WHO
