Africa: Take Ownership of Health Systems, African Countries Told

What the report says

World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi has called on African governments to take stronger control of their health systems and turn long-standing policy commitments into practical steps, especially in financing primary healthcare. He made the appeal in Arusha, Tanzania, during an international conference on primary health care that was opened by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

According to the Daily News report distributed by AllAfrica, Janabi said health-sector development should be led by governments, with development partners aligning behind national priorities rather than fragmented projects. He urged countries to move away from dependency toward what he described as health sovereignty, and said the region needs systems that can handle both routine care and emergencies. He also called for a measurable action plan from the conference, including clear responsibilities and timelines.

Janabi praised Tanzania’s approach to strengthening primary healthcare, pointing to measures such as the Universal Health Insurance Act, direct funding to health facilities and continued investment in frontline services. He said these efforts show that African-led solutions can work when adapted to local conditions. He also pressed for more funding for frontline services, better matching of trained staff to funded positions, stronger community-based disease surveillance and greater use of health data.

The remarks matter because they reflect broader debates across Africa about how to build resilient, locally financed health systems after repeated pressure from outbreaks, limited budgets and dependence on external support. The report says Janabi wants the meeting to be remembered for implementation rather than resolutions alone.