Africa: African Ministers to Convene Dialogue With WHO Director-General Candidates in Addis Ababa On 23 November 2026
[Africa CDC] Addis Ababa -- The 54 WHO recognized African countries represent nearly 30% of WHO Membership. Therefore, when leaders of this global health institution are selected, Africans should have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates: their vision, priorities, and commitments to our continent.
Addis Ababa — In a bid to ensure African voices are heard during the selection of the next World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, African Ministers of Health and Finance have announced plans to convene a high-level dialogue with the six candidates vying for the position on November 23, 2026. Representing nearly 30% of WHO membership, the 54 WHO recognized African countries believe it is crucial for the global health institution's leadership to reflect their vision, priorities, and commitments.
Following consultations with H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Africa High-Level Ministerial Committee (AHLMC) agreed to facilitate this dialogue. The event aims to provide African Ministers and communities with equal access to the candidates' perspectives, enabling them to prioritize Africa's health security and sovereignty agenda.
Africa should no longer be a silent observer in the selection process; rather, it must be a partner, decision-maker, and advocate for change. AllAfrica, a platform that publishes news and commentaries from around the continent, will cover the dialogue, ensuring transparency and accountability in the WHO selection process.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
