
World Health Organization
At the 75th Session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, held at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Uniting joined delegates from African Union member states, UN agencies, and international organisations under the theme “Building a Healthier Africa Together.” The Uniting team, led by CEO Dr. Isatou Touray, actively contributed to high-level discussions and strategic engagements throughout the three-day event.
During the opening ceremony, Africa CDC Director General H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya praised WHO’s role in the Mpox response and called for stronger partner alignment to advance Africa’s health sovereignty. In a video address, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf urged renewed commitment to collaboration for a healthier, safer future. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged progress in health systems strengthening but emphasised the need for deeper reforms to meet current challenges. Zambia’s President H.E. Hakainde Hichilema officially opened the meeting, advocating for health diplomacy and the integration of human and animal health under the One Health approach.
As part of the ceremony, H.E Hichilema also awarded special recognition of Officers of the Order of the Eagle of Zambia to Dr. Tedros and Dr Jean, in recognition for their work and leadership that's made a significant difference for health promotion in Africa.


On the first day, Uniting held strategic meetings with Senegal and Gambia on the Kigali Declaration, IDA21 opportunities , and Africa CDC on a proposed MoU. The team also explored strategic partnerships with Africa Health Business. Dr. Touray also had a chance to engage with the new WHO Africa Regional Director, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi.
On Day 2, she delivered a statement on Agenda Item 9, welcoming the regional rehabilitation strategy as a key opportunity to integrate NTD-related rehabilitation into essential health services.
”We urge Member States to prioritise NTDs with adequate plans to provide the tailored rehabilitation interventions needed for improved quality of life for people affected by NTDs,” Dr. Touray added.
A major highlight of the second day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and a three-year Joint Action Plan between Uniting and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC). The MoU centres around strengthening health sector capacity, mobilising domestic and international resources, promoting policy harmonisation and supporting Member States in implementing AU frameworks.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Touray on behalf of Uniting and Dr Ntuli Kapologwe, ECSA-HC’s Director General. In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Dr. Ntuli emphasised that the MoU addresses urgent funding gaps and will help countries secure domestic investments and maintain momentum toward eliminating NTDs. Dr. Touray highlighted that the partnership formalises coordinated regional action, aiming to support ECSA member states in achieving the WHO 2030 NTD elimination goals through strengthened collaboration and advocacy.

On the final day, Uniting continued advocacy efforts with Malawi on Reaching the Last Mile and the UN Foundation on strategic partnerships, and Dr. Touray delivered a statement on Agenda Item 16.7, highlighting the need to integrate NTDs into national health strategies and essential service packages to achieve Universal Health Coverage and health equity.

“It is imperative that NTDs are integrated into national health strategies and investment plans backed by increased budget allocations. Integrating NTDs as part of the essential service package is critical to achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) and health equity in the African Region” Dr. Touray said.