WHS Regional Meeting 2026
- Nairobi | April 27 - 29, 2026
ABOUT THE WORLD HEALTH SUMMIT
ABOUT
The World Health Summit (WHS), established in 2009, is one of the world’s foremost strategic platforms for global health. Each year, WHS Regional Meetings are hosted in different parts of the world, in collaboration with local institutions, to address region-specific health priorities while connecting them to the broader global health agenda.
These meetings convene leaders from politics, science, civil society, and the private sector to foster dialogue, share innovations, and develop strategies for advancing health worldwide. They are designed to amplify regional voices, promote equitable health solutions, and ensure that local challenges inform global policy.
By rotating across regions, WHS Regional Meetings highlight diverse perspectives, strengthen cross-continental collaborations, and create opportunities to influence both regional and global health outcomes.
About the Event
This unique gathering presents a high-level platform to foster connections, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions to some of the most urgent health challenges worldwide. Participants will include heads of state and government, cabinet secretaries, private sector leaders, executives of international organizations, scientists, healthcare professionals, civil society, individuals with lived experiences, young professionals, and students.
The WHS RM 2026 will not only spotlight Africa’s health priorities but also contribute to advancing inclusive, evidence-based, and globally relevant solutions for healthier societies.
KEY THEME
Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence
This theme emphasizes the need to transform health systems by leveraging innovation, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and promoting regional and global solidarity to ensure equitable, resilient, and sustainable health for all.
Vision
The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 envisions resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems in Africa, driven by innovation, strengthened through regional and global collaboration, and shaped by Africa’s priorities on the global health agenda.
Purpose
The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 aims to amplify Africa’s voice in global health, foster inclusive dialogue, and strengthen health systems through innovation, integration, and interdependence. By convening leaders from governments, academia, the private sector, civil society, and youth, the meeting will promote cross-sector partnerships, empower the next generation of health leaders, and align regional priorities with global health goals.
Expected Outcome
The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 will deliver practical recommendations, forge new partnerships, and promote evidence-based solutions to strengthen Africa’s health systems. By amplifying regional priorities, catalyzing cross-sector collaboration, and empowering youth and underrepresented voices, the meeting will contribute to resilient, inclusive, and globally connected health systems that advance equity and sustainability.
Who will be attending
Attendees
The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 will bring together a diverse audience of heads of state and government, senior policymakers, private sector leaders, executives of international organizations, scientists, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, individuals with lived experiences, as well as young professionals and students, fostering inclusive dialogue and cross-sector collaboration to address Africa’s pressing health challenges within a global context.
Our Patrons
Visionaries championing a healthier future for Africa
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, PhD
Founder of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva
Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta
Founding Director, Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University
Mr Elhadj As Sy
Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) from 2014 to 2019