UK Pledges Support for Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty

Ethiopia – In a speech delivered at the African Union Summit on February 13, 2026, Baroness Chapman of Darlington outlined the UK’s commitment to a modern partnership with Africa, with a focus on health security, sovereignty, and multilateral reform. The speech acknowledged the progress made by African nations in strengthening their health systems and emphasized the importance of investing in the health of people as the foundation for national prosperity.

Recognizing African Leadership and Progress

Baroness Chapman highlighted the significant strides made by several African countries in improving their health infrastructure and outcomes. She specifically recognized Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program, Nigeria’s health system reforms, and Ghana’s long-standing commitment to community health and financing as benchmarks for others to follow. She noted that African-led reforms are strengthening continental institutions like the African Union Development Agency, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and the forthcoming African Medicines Agency.

Addressing Challenges and the Impact of COVID-19

The speech acknowledged the challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including inequities in supply chains, manufacturing capacity, and access to resources. However, it similarly celebrated Africa’s demonstrated scientific and public health capabilities during the crisis, pointing to expanded genomic surveillance and rapid innovation. According to the Africa CDC, disease outbreaks in Africa increased by 40% between 2022 and 2024, underscoring the growing need for robust health systems.

Six Priorities for a Recent Era of Partnership

Baroness Chapman outlined six key priorities to strengthen health systems in Africa and foster a more sustainable future:

• Treating Health as an Investment: Political commitment must be backed by adequate resources and improved financial management.
• Complementing Domestic Finance: External funding should support, not replace, national priorities and domestic financing, as emphasized by the Minister of Health from Zimbabwe.
• Leveraging African Expertise: Solutions should be designed collaboratively by governments, scientists, and communities.
• Adapting UK Support: The UK is shifting its approach to focus on providing technical expertise tailored to African nations’ needs, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge. A partnership in Malawi helped develop a specialty training program for public health professionals.
• Reforming the Global Health System: The current system is fragmented and donor-dependent and needs to become more coherent, supportive, and country-led.
• Sustained Financing: Strong health systems require consistent financial support, as demonstrated by the UK’s co-leadership of the Global Fund replenishment.

Commitment to Global Health Financing and Reform

The UK is advocating for reforms within global health partnerships like Gavi and the Global Fund, pushing for them to align with national investment plans. The UK also co-chaired the African Development Fund replenishment in December, the largest in its history, demonstrating confidence in Africa’s financial institutions. The UK is also working to modernize the international financial system, advocating for increased lending from development banks and attracting private investment.

A Vision for the Future

Baroness Chapman concluded by expressing confidence that these priorities will usher in a new era of partnership, where Africa shapes the global health system rather than simply participating in it. She echoed President Mahama of Ghana’s call for unity and a shared vision based on mutual respect, affirming the UK’s commitment to working alongside African nations as partners and friends for the health and well-being of their people.