Day Three of the Primary Health Care Congress Calls for Technology, Leadership and Community Systems to Drive the Future of Health in Africa
The final day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and academic leaders to examine how technology, innovation, and collaborative leadership can accelerate Primary Health Care reforms across Africa. Discussions throughout the day explored how digital health, artificial intelligence, climate-resilient health systems, and workforce development can strengthen health systems and improve access to care, particularly at the community level. The sessions also highlighted the importance of African-led solutions and partnerships in building resilient health systems capable of responding to global uncertainties. Technology Transforming Primary Health Care Delivery A key focus of the day was the growing role of digital technologies in improving Primary Health Care delivery. In one of the plenary sessions, speakers demonstrated how digital health platforms and telemedicine are helping decentralize care and improve decision-making in health systems. A case study from Murang’a County in Kenya as presented by Governor, Murang’a County, Hon. Irungu Kang’ata showed how integrated digital systems are enabling real-time data tracking across health facilities, strengthening procurement systems, and improving workforce accountability. The system allows health leaders to monitor disease trends, patient volumes, and service delivery performance, enabling more evidence-based decisions in resource allocation and service planning. Participants emphasized that while technology presents significant opportunities, digital solutions must remain people-centered and designed to address real health system challenges rather than simply digitizing existing inefficiencies. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Community Health Another major discussion focused on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in strengthening community health systems. Kenya’s digital community health infrastructure was highlighted as an important foundation for scaling AI-driven solutions. With thousands of digitized facilities and community health workers using digital tools, the country has created a strong data ecosystem that can support predictive analytics, disease surveillance, and improved service delivery. Experts noted that artificial intelligence has the potential to support clinical decision-making, automate reporting, and help frontline health workers prioritize care for vulnerable populations. However, speakers emphasized that scaling AI requires strong data governance, infrastructure investments, and a skilled workforce to ensure responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies. Strengthening Health Workforce Capacity and Leadership Day Three also explored the role of universities and training institutions in preparing the next generation of health leaders. Participants discussed how postgraduate education programs must evolve beyond producing graduates to developing systems thinkers capable of addressing complex public health challenges. Universities were encouraged to strengthen partnerships with governments and health institutions to ensure that research and training programs respond to real health system needs. Speakers also highlighted the importance of experiential learning, international collaboration, and integrating digital technologies into public health training programs. Climate Change and Global Health Security Another session examined how climate change is reshaping global health security and increasing the urgency of strengthening disease surveillance and preparedness systems. Presentations highlighted how climate-driven events such as floods, changing ecosystems, and food insecurity are contributing to emerging disease threats and placing additional pressure on already fragile health systems. Participants emphasized that strengthening surveillance systems, integrating One Health approaches, and improving coordination between sectors such as agriculture, environment, and health will be critical to building resilient health systems. Rethinking PHC Delivery Through the PHC Accelerator Bundle A dedicated session introduced the PHC Accelerator Bundle, an integrated framework designed to strengthen Primary Health Care systems through three interconnected pillars: community financing, data-driven decision-making, and leadership development. The model encourages countries to move beyond incremental reforms and instead adopt structural approaches that empower communities as active producers of health while strengthening accountability and data use within health systems. Countries were invited to pilot the accelerator model and join a learning network that will support collaboration, peer learning, and evidence generation across the region. Closing the Congress with a Call to Action The congress concluded with a closing ceremony that synthesized three days of dialogue and reaffirmed Primary Health Care as the foundation for Universal Health Coverage and health security across Africa. Participants called for stronger domestic financing for health systems, including commitments to allocate at least 15 percent of national budgets to the health sector. Leaders also emphasized the need for continued investment in digital health systems, workforce development, and community engagement to ensure that Primary Health Care remains responsive to the evolving health needs of African populations. The closing session also announced the establishment of a continuing forum to sustain collaboration among governments, universities, and development partners working to strengthen Primary Health Care systems across the continent. As the congress came to a close, participants reaffirmed a shared commitment to building resilient, equitable, and community-centered health systems capable of advancing Universal Health Coverage and improving health outcomes across Africa.
Leadership, Innovation and Community Solutions Take Centre Stage on Day Two of the Primary Health Care Congress
The second day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and frontline health practitioners to examine how leadership, innovation, and community-led approaches can strengthen Primary Health Care systems across Africa. Building on the momentum from the opening day, discussions on Day Two focused on practical solutions that countries are implementing to improve the resilience, financing, and delivery of Primary Health Care services. Across plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and partner-led conversations, speakers emphasized that sustainable health systems must combine strong leadership, effective financing mechanisms, empowered health workers, and community-driven interventions. Strengthening Leadership, Governance and Financing of Primary Health Care A central theme throughout the day was the importance of strong leadership and governance in driving Primary Health Care reforms. Speakers highlighted ongoing reforms in health financing systems designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to services. Country experiences shared during the sessions demonstrated how governments are redesigning financing models to ensure that resources reach frontline health facilities where communities receive care. Discussions also emphasized the importance of legislative frameworks that anchor health system reforms, ensuring predictability of funding, accountability of institutions, and sustainability of health programs. Participants underscored that effective governance must go beyond policy frameworks to include citizen accountability mechanisms and stronger oversight at community and facility levels. Digital Transformation Supporting the PHC Workforce Another major focus of Day Two was the role of digital technologies in strengthening the Primary Health Care workforce. Across Africa, health systems are increasingly transitioning from fragmented and paper-based data systems toward unified digital platforms that allow real-time reporting, improved patient tracking, and stronger decision making. Digital tools are also supporting the training and continuous professional development of community health workers and frontline staff through e-learning platforms and mobile applications. These innovations are helping address workforce gaps while enabling health workers to deliver services more efficiently. Participants noted that for digital health innovations to succeed, they must be designed around the needs of frontline workers and supported by reliable infrastructure, connectivity, and strong governance frameworks. Community-Based Interventions Driving Impact Sessions throughout the day reinforced the importance of community-based approaches in delivering effective Primary Health Care. Evidence presented during research and abstract sessions highlighted how integrated PHC interventions, including water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, can significantly improve health outcomes in communities affected by infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases. Community-led models are also helping strengthen referral pathways and improve the uptake of essential health services such as maternal and child health care.In several settings, simple innovations such as community health information points have helped bridge access gaps by bringing information and services closer to communities. Protecting Breastfeeding as a Core PHC Intervention Another key discussion focused on protecting breastfeeding environments as a fundamental component of Primary Health Care. Experts highlighted the importance of strengthening policies and health worker capacity to protect breastfeeding from growing commercial influences, particularly aggressive marketing of infant formula products. The session also marked the launch of the Nourished Truth Operational Toolkit, a practical resource designed to support governments and health systems in strengthening breastfeeding protection policies and implementation. Participants emphasized that breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective health interventions, contributing to improved child survival, maternal health outcomes, and reductions in malnutrition. Technology, Community Systems and Policy Leadership Across all sessions, a consistent message emerged: resilient Primary Health Care systems require coordinated action across leadership, technology, and community systems. From financing reforms and digital health tools to community-led innovations and evidence-based policy approaches, participants shared experiences that demonstrate how countries can strengthen PHC delivery even in resource-constrained settings.As the congress continues, these discussions are expected to inform new partnerships, policy reforms, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care systems and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage across Africa.
African Health Leaders Call for Urgent Investment in Primary Health Care to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage
Nairobi, Kenya | 4 March 2026 Health leaders, policymakers, academics, and development partners gathered in Nairobi today for the opening day of the 2nd Primary Health Care Congress, calling for stronger investment in Primary Health Care systems as the most effective pathway to achieving Universal Health Coverage across Africa. The Congress has convened regional and global stakeholders to examine how stronger community-based health systems can improve health outcomes, strengthen health security, and reduce the financial burden of healthcare on households. Discussions during the opening sessions highlighted the urgent need to prioritize Primary Health Care as the foundation of resilient health systems. Participants emphasized that effective PHC systems strengthen prevention, enable early disease detection, and expand access to essential health services for underserved communities. Speakers also noted the progress made through recent health sector reforms in Kenya, including the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, Facility Improvement Financing Act, and Social Health Insurance Act. These reforms were recognized as important steps toward strengthening health systems and expanding access to quality health services. “Primary Health Care is the foundation of equitable health systems. If we are to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Africa, we must invest in strong community-based health systems that prevent disease and bring care closer to the people,” said Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO Amref Health Africa. Throughout the discussions, speakers emphasized the critical role of community health systems in delivering preventive services and supporting disease surveillance. Community Health Promoters were identified as essential in extending health services to households and ensuring early detection of health threats. Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between governments, universities, and development partners to generate evidence and train the health workforce needed to support effective PHC systems. “Universities must play a central role in strengthening Primary Health Care systems by generating evidence, training the health workforce, and shaping policies that respond to the real health needs of communities,” said Prof. Joachim Osur, VC, Amref International UniversityFinancing also emerged as a key issue during the opening sessions. Delegates called for stronger domestic investment in health systems and sustainable financing models that ensure resources reach frontline facilities and communities where services are delivered. Participants further emphasized the need for inclusive health systems that ensure vulnerable populations, including refugees and underserved communities, have equitable access to essential health services through Primary Health Care. The 2nd Primary Health Care Congress continues through 6 March 2026 and will feature discussions on leadership, governance, innovation, workforce development, and financing strategies aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care systems across Africa. For media inquiries: Angie Gichimu Email: [email protected]