It’s all eyes on Africa as the UN looks to find ways to ensure universal health care for all

It’s all eyes on Africa as the UN looks to find ways to ensure universal health care for all

December 10, 20192 min read
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It was a historic moment earlier this month as the United Nations and African Union pledged to pursue bolds goals that will strengthen global health and provide health care to all across Africa.


“The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed today is an important step towards formalizing the cooperation between WHO and the African Union and to implementing the Addis Ababa Call to Action,” said the WHO chief.

“The Addis Ababa Call to Action is a powerful commitment from African Union leaders to increase domestic financing for health, and to hold themselves accountable for that commitment”, he added.


Following a political declaration on universal health coverage, which was approved in September by all UN Member States, the General Assembly adopted a global resolution to translate that commitment into reality by legislators in 140 countries. November 18 - UN News





It’s indeed a bold declaration and one that will require prevention, infection control and affordable delivery of care.


Key UN-AU collaboration specifics


  • Provide technical expertise to the African Medicines Agency and create an environment to foster local production of medicines.


  • Strengthen collaboration between WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – with a particular focus on emergency preparedness, to build defenses against epidemics and other health emergencies.




The prospects are positive, but delivery will be a challenge, and if you are a journalist covering this topic and need an expert source for insight and perspective – let us help.


Dr. Saad Bhamla is an Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the Georgia Tech College of Engineering where he also runs the Bhamla Lab that develops low cost tools for science education and global health.  Saad is available to speak to media regarding this topic, simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.



Connect with:
  • Saad Bhamla
    Saad Bhamla Assistant Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

    The Bhamla Lab explores fundamental and applied research questions through the development of new experimental tools and techniques.

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