On the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, 2026, the Pan-African Intergovernmental Organization for Building Systems of Administration, Governance and Development in Africa (CAFRAD) joins the international community in reaffirming its commitment to humane, effective, equitable, and resilient health systems.

Under the theme “Unite for Health. Support the Science,” the 2026 edition highlights the importance of science, international cooperation, and the use of evidence to improve the health of populations, in an integrated approach that considers the links between human, animal, and environmental health.

Science and Cooperation at the Heart of Health Systems

World Health Day reminds us that scientific advances are essential for strengthening prevention, improving the quality of care, and increasing the capacity to respond to health crises. It also underscores the need to translate research findings into concrete and effective public policies.

In this context, multilateral cooperation and knowledge sharing among public institutions, international organizations, and research centers are key factors in strengthening health systems worldwide.

A Global Dynamic Based on Science

The global campaign associated with this 2026 edition encourages all stakeholders to support science, promote the use of reliable data, and restore trust in health systems. It also calls for highlighting scientific achievements, sharing best practices, and fostering a global dialogue on health issues.

Persistent Challenges in Africa

Despite significant progress, health systems in Africa continue to face several constraints, including:

• unequal access to care and healthcare deserts;
• a lack of adequate infrastructure;
• often inadequate technical facilities;
• shortages of qualified human resources;
• the need to strengthen governance and financing mechanisms;
• a limited awareness of the patient’s role as a key stakeholder in care; and
• the limited use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in the health sector.

These challenges call for structural reforms and institutional capacity building to ensure improved performance of health systems.

CAFRAD’s Commitment to Health

As part of its mission, CAFRAD plays an active role in strengthening the capacity of member states in the governance and management of public health policies.

Building on this commitment, CAFRAD, in partnership with its institutional and technical partners, organized the international summit “HealthTech’26: Global Summit of Digital Health and Smart Healthcare,” which was held at CAFRAD headquarters from February 10 to 12, 2026.

This summit provided a high-level platform dedicated to exploring advances in digital health and innovative solutions aimed at improving the performance of healthcare systems. It brought together public policymakers, experts, researchers, and private sector stakeholders to foster dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and the development of strategic partnerships in the field of digital health.

On March 16, 2026, CAFRAD also organized, in partnership with the Moroccan Elite Young Leaders (EMJL) organization, a conference on the theme: “Health Systems in Africa: Challenges and Prospects.” Discussions focused on the physician in the age of artificial intelligence.

In this regard, CAFRAD:

• supports the digital transformation of public administrations, particularly through the promotion of HealthTech solutions and technological innovations applied to the health sector;
• organizes initiatives dedicated to health innovation, aimed at encouraging the use of digital technologies and emerging tools to improve the efficiency of health systems;
• contributes to strengthening the skills of public decision-makers and managers through specialized training programs;
• Promotes evidence-based health governance and scientific knowledge;
• Supports the sharing of experiences and best practices among African countries;
• Participates in disseminating the One Health approach, recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health;
• Supports efforts to strengthen the resilience of health systems in the face of crises and emerging challenges.

Through these actions, CAFRAD helps bridge the gap between science, innovation, and public policy, with the aim of supporting more effective, inclusive, and African-responsive health systems.

Conclusion

World Health Day 2026 presents a major opportunity to strengthen collective mobilization around science and international cooperation. By supporting science and fostering innovation, particularly through initiatives such as HealthTech, it is possible to build more robust, resilient, and sustainable health systems.