Egypt has called for sustainable financing to prepare for and respond to epidemics, while urging African countries to play a stronger role in shaping global health policies.
The appeal reflects growing concern over the financial pressures facing health systems across the continent. Many African countries continue to experience shortages of medical supplies, limited laboratory capacity, inadequate surveillance systems and gaps in emergency preparedness.
Sustainable funding is essential for detecting disease outbreaks early and responding effectively. Unlike short-term emergency assistance, predictable financing allows countries to strengthen hospitals, train health workers, expand laboratories and maintain disease-monitoring systems between crises.
Egypt also stressed the importance of greater African representation in global health decision-making. African nations are often among the most affected by infectious diseases, yet they remain underrepresented in the institutions and discussions that shape international health priorities.
A stronger African role could help ensure that global health programmes reflect the continent’s needs and realities. It could also support fairer access to vaccines, medicines, diagnostic tools and new technologies during future emergencies.
The call comes amid continuing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed inequalities in access to healthcare products and highlighted the risks of dependence on overseas supply chains. Building local and regional manufacturing capacity has therefore become an increasingly important priority.
African countries are also seeking stronger cooperation in disease surveillance, research and public-health training. Regional partnerships can help governments share information, coordinate responses and develop common strategies against cross-border health threats.
Experts say financing should support both immediate outbreak response and long-term health-system development. Stronger primary healthcare, reliable data systems and a well-trained workforce can reduce the impact of epidemics before they become wider emergencies.
Egypt’s position adds to calls for a more balanced global health system, one that treats African countries not only as recipients of assistance but also as partners, innovators and decision-makers.
For Africa, sustainable epidemic financing is closely linked to public safety, economic stability and national development. Ensuring that resources are available before a crisis begins could help the continent respond more quickly and protect vulnerable communities.
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