NAIROBI–— Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale delivered a stirring welcome address today as the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2026 officially opened at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). Hosted by the Aga Khan University in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), the three-day summit brings together over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries across five continents.
In his speech, CS Duale extended a warm welcome to President William Ruto, describing the gathering as a platform for advancing Africa’s health agenda. “Your Excellency, a warm welcome to the World Summit Regional Meeting 2026,” he said.
“In this room, we have Ministers of Health and Finance from over 17 countries across Africa and the European Union. We have scientists, researchers, clinicians, innovators, civil society leaders, industry leaders, investors, diplomats and development partners.”
Duale emphasized the collective purpose uniting participants: a shared commitment to health security, health system transformation, and a brighter future for Africa. “They have travelled from more than 50 countries across five continents… and every one of them is keen to hear your vision and your address,” he noted.
He praised President Ruto as the ideal leader to open the summit, given the event’s theme: “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence.” “It is befitting that this summit is opened by a leader who embodies its very theme,” Duale stated. “A leader who has made universal health coverage a national priority in our country. A leader who champions Africa’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. A leader who speaks of health not as a cost but as a driver of economic transformation and continental dignity.”
Concluding his remarks, CS Duale invited the audience to rise: “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as we welcome His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya, to deliver his inaugural keynote address and the opening address of the World Health Summit.”
The high-level meeting comes at a strategic moment as Africa confronts a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, evolving infectious threats, and the urgent need for sustainable health financing. Over the next three days, sessions will focus on strengthening health system resilience, accelerating universal health coverage (UHC), promoting pharmaceutical self-reliance, and fostering deeper integration and collaboration across the continent and with global partners.
Kenya’s prominent role as host reflects the country’s leadership in health diplomacy and its ambition to position Nairobi as a continental hub for health innovation and policy dialogue. The summit is expected to produce actionable recommendations and new partnerships aimed at building more equitable, innovative and resilient health systems across Africa.
