From Declarations to Delivery: AU Health Summit Calls for a New Era of Stronger Health Systems

African leaders and health experts at the AU Extraordinary Health Summit have called for stronger health sovereignty, sustainable financing, and greater investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce the continent's dependence on external support. Discussions highlighted the heavy burden of malaria, HIV, and Ebola, the importance of preventive healthcare, improved water and sanitation, and the urgent need to strengthen Africa's health workforce and disease surveillance. The summit also stressed accountability in health spending and urged countries to move beyond policy commitments to measurable action.