The WHS Regional Meeting 2026, hosted by Aga Khan University, took place from April 27–29 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). Leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered to explore solutions that strengthen Africa's health systems and advance global health progress.
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At the WHS 2026 Opening Night in Berlin, the WHS Regional Meeting Nairobi Declaration 2026 was presented, carrying forward the key outcomes of the Regional Meeting in Nairobi. Under the title “Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems – From Commitment to Implementation,” the Nairobi Declaration affirms that Africa’s health future must be shaped by African priorities, evidence, and leadership, supported by equitable global partnerships and solidarity.
The Declaration was signed by Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya and WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Yakub Janabi, alongside WHS President Axel R. Pries and Aga Khan University’s Lukoye Atwoli, both signing on behalf of the WHS Academic Alliance.
The signatories commit to advancing country-led action that strengthens resilient, people-centered health systems; sustainable financing aligned with national and regional priorities; meaningful participation by communities and young people; and clear objectives, measurable impact, and shared accountability.
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This unique gathering at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) brought together leaders, innovators and changemakers from across the globe to advance practical solutions for stronger health systems in Africa. A key outcome was the strong emphasis on health sovereignty — grounded in greater ownership, mutual accountability, and global partnerships on equal footing.
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Across 80 sessions, representatives from around the world explored the most pressing health challenges in Africa and globally — from chronic and infectious diseases to the evolving health financing landscape.
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The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 brought together over 400 speakers — leaders, policymakers, innovators, and global health experts, including 16 ministers — for impactful dialogue, innovative ideas, and cross-sector collaboration. Discover the voices that shaped the conversation.
Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security in Africa
Climate Change, Environment, and Health Systems Resilience
Digital Health, AI, and Technological Innovation
Health Workforce, Financing, and System Building
Gender Equity, Youth Leadership, and Social Accountability
Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and Well-being
Primary Healthcare, UHC, and Social Determinants of Health
Women, Adolescents, Child Health and Nutrition
The International Presidency of the World Health Summit rotates annually among members of the WHS Academic Alliance. During the WHS Opening Night 2025, Prof. Balvir Singh Tomar, Founder and Chancellor of NIMS University and International President of the WHS Regional Meeting 2025, officially handed over the presidency of the WHS Regional Meetings to the incoming WHS International President, Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of the Medical College, East Africa, at Aga Khan University.
As President of the WHS Regional Meeting 2026, Professor Atwoli brings decades of expertise in public health and medical education to lead high-level discussions on strengthening Africa’s health systems.
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In 2026, the WHS Regional Meeting will be hosted by WHS Academic Alliance member The Aga Khan University East Africa. Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university and from 2000 the University expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. The mission of the Aga Khan University is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond through world-class teaching, research and health-care delivery.
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