African leaders discuss stronger health institutions, medicine manufacturing in Kampala

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African leaders have discussed stronger health institutions, medicine manufacturing and equitable partnerships in Kampala.

The Africa Health Summit at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala city on November 14, 2025, saw President Yoweri Museveni commended for championing local pharmaceutical industry as the African continent looks forward to upholding pharmaceutical sovereignty, aiming to replace imported medical goods with locally manufactured alternatives.

Hosted by the health ministry, the summit served as a continental platform to advance Africa’s health sovereignty, strengthen local manufacturing, and drive innovation across health systems. It drew nearly 1,000 delegates from across the globe.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa greeting Dr Diana Atwine and Musenero during the Africa Health Summit. (Courtesy photo)

Speaking at the event, the deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, implored other heads of state in Africa to emulate President Museveni.

“In Uganda, the executive has been very deliberate in supporting the local pharmaceutical industry in addition to science and innovation. We have a company that produces antiretroviral (ARVs) and many others that are involved in the pharmaceutical industry. This is the way to go for African countries. We must produce our own medicine to boost our economic base,” Tayebwa said.

Tayebwa called upon African countries to prioritise locally made products to boost the continent’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP), currently standing at about $3.1 trillion.

“Why should an African country import ARVs when we have a company in Uganda that can produce them? If that money could remain in Africa, our budget would be enhanced. I urge African presidents to take the example of President Museveni so that we boost our GDP,” Tayebwa said.

Tackling issues in a fragmented manner, Tayebwa said it is the biggest problem for the continent.

“When countries in other continents get problems, they go to their blocs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you saw how difficult it was for Africa to receive the vaccines. They started sending us those about to expire. How do we tackle such issues? We need to reconsider our priorities,” Tayebwa said.

Amason Jeffah Kingi, the speaker of Kenya’s senate, commended Uganda’s leadership and urged African governments to invest in health as an economic driver.

“Health is not an expense. It is the foundation of productivity and prosperity. By financing our own solutions, we build dignity and resilience for generations,” he emphasised.

Leading Africa's transformation

Underscoring the importance of the summit, health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng reaffirmed the continent’s resolve to lead its own transformation.

“For decades, Africa has depended on external assistance,” she said. “This summit marks a turning point for Africa to take charge of its health destiny through science, innovation, and solidarity.”

Aceng said African still imports 95% of its medicine and diagnostics because its progress remains fragile.

“We produce only 3% of the global pharmaceutical output because our financing remains constrained, with most of the countries spending less than 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the health sector, far below 15% of the Abuja target,” Aceng said.

With external assistance to the health sector declining by 75% in Africa, Aceng said it is high time for the continent to focus on the local pharmaceutical industry.

“Health is an investment in peace and productivity. Every single dollar invested in health yields four dollars in return.  Let us invest in our scientists. No country can achieve sovereignty alone. Therefore, we must work together to achieve it,” Aceng said.

Aceng underscored the importance of domestic health financing saying it is the only way the continent can shift from dependency.

Timely discussion

Health ministry permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine said the discussion on health is timely.

“It is time for us to look at our internal capacity and strength. We need to harness those skills to give us the best innovations. We have no doubt that we shall be there. We have to make science a reality on this continent,” Atwine said.

Delivering the keynote address, World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi underscored the centrality of the new public health order championed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Africa’s health security depends on our ability to produce, regulate, and respond from within. WHO stands with African nations to realise this vision of true health sovereignty,” he said.

The summit featured high-level dialogues on financing the health economy, local manufacturing, innovation, and regulatory reform, and showcased African breakthroughs in vaccine production, diagnostics, and more.

It concluded with the adoption of the Kampala Declaration on Health Sovereignty, committing countries to stronger institutions, local manufacturing, and equitable partnerships.

The day culminated in the 6th Annual Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA), celebrating exceptional individuals and institutions advancing self-care, innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery across the country.