Ruto Opens 2026 World Health Summit in Nairobi as Leaders Push for Africa’s Health Systems Transformation
Those who were present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, among other senior officials.
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has officially opened the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, joined by Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale during the opening plenary held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
The high-level conference, hosted by Aga Khan University in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, is being held under the theme *“Reimagining Africa’s Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence.”*
Duale described the summit as a key platform for advancing health sector reforms across the continent, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage and improved health security.
“The Summit is a critical platform for driving health systems transformation, deepening collaboration, and accelerating our collective journey towards Universal Health Coverage and stronger health security in Africa,” Duale said.
The three-day meeting has brought together more than 2,300 delegates from over 50 countries across five continents, including Ministers of Health and Finance from 17 nations, alongside scientists, researchers, clinicians, innovators, civil society leaders, and development partners.
The gathering positions Nairobi as a central global hub for dialogue on the future of healthcare systems in Africa and beyond.
Also present were Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni and Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga, among other senior officials.
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