Health sector leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered at Strathmore University on Monday 3rd November 2025 for the Africa Health Systems Conference, a high-level forum that explored the continent’s evolving healthcare landscape amid reduced donor funding and growing domestic challenges.

The conference was officially opened by Prof. Francis Wafula, Associate Professor of Health Systems and Policy at Strathmore Business School, who set the tone with an insightful address on the ongoing transformation within Africa’s health systems. He highlighted the continent’s growing disease burden, noting that most health systems are still modeled to handle communicable diseases rather than complex, non-communicable conditions. Prof. Wafula also pointed out that Africa’s rapidly growing and informed population especially Generations Z and Alpha are demanding better services, accountability, and efficient use of resources.

He was followed by Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean of Strathmore University Business School, who underscored the importance of sustainability, resilience, and innovation as key drivers for a stronger health sector.

The first plenary session, A New Chapter in Global Health, examined how shifts in global funding are reshaping Africa’s health priorities. Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, Chairman of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, emphasized the need for equitable resource allocation and innovative approaches to funding. “Capital is shy,” he remarked, “and to attract more investment, we must raise our trust capital.”

Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Medical Services, called for stronger domestic resource mobilization and leadership. “We must stop waiting for others to save us,” he said. “It is time to mobilize our own resources and shape our national mindset toward sustainability.”

The first panel, The Evolution of the Health Financing Landscape, featured experts including Dr. Anne Musuva, Dr. Elizabeth Irungu, Dr. Daniel Mwai, Dr. Newton Omale, and Dr. Elizabeth Wangia. The discussion traced the shift from aid driven models to country led and financed health programs stressing the importance of data, surveillance, innovation, and private sector participation in achieving universal health outcomes.

The second panel, New Realities: How Health Systems Are Adjusting to Reduced Aid, delved into how public and private actors are adapting to declining donor support. Panelists such as Alice Kang’ethe, Dr. Tim Theuri, Dr. Chris Barasa, Dr. Anita Musiega, Douglas Bosire, and Dr. Matiko Riro showcased innovations that are improving efficiency, integrating services, and expanding local financing.

In the third discussion, Strengthening Future Health Systems Through Partnerships and Investment, leaders including Khatra Ali, Maurine Murenga, Lucy Gathoni, Dr. Elizabeth Gitau, Pauline Irungu, and Dr. Kadondi Kasera shared actionable strategies for scaling successful interventions. The session emphasized collaboration between governments, private investors, and international partners to build resilient, sustainable health systems.

In a virtual address, Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, CEO and President of VillageReach, urged Africa to take ownership of its future. “Our continent is not poor,” he said. “We have enough resources to design and sustain our own health programs.”

One of the most emotional moments of the day came during the fireside chat titled Unbowed Stories of Resilience. The speakers Joseph Okutoyi, Former counsellor, Liverpool VCT and Jerop Limo, HIV Advocate and 2025 goalkeeper deeply shared personal experiences of navigating a health system under immense strain where growing population needs and reduced funding are stretching resources to breaking point.

The conference concluded with a closing keynote by Prof. Francis Wafula, who reflected on the day’s deliberations. He called on all stakeholders to move from discussion to action, emphasizing that Africa’s health future depends on sustainable financing, local leadership, and strategic partnerships.

Delegates later participated in a networking session, with many expressing optimism that the strategies discussed would influence future policies and investments.