The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has called on African leaders to channel their resources into fortifying their healthcare systems. This plea came in the wake of his reception of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement in Public Health Award at the ongoing third International Conference on Public Health in Africa in Lusaka, Zambia.
During his acceptance speech, Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude, stating, “Africa has made me who I am, and I am indebted.” He enthusiastically accepted the award, acknowledging his proud African heritage.
The accolade, orchestrated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, honors individuals who significantly contribute to public health in Africa. Launched in 2021, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of public health and health research across the continent.
Ghebreyesus emphasized the pivotal role a robust healthcare system plays in fostering development, peace, and stability in Africa. He urged African leaders to allocate their resources to bolster their healthcare sectors, underscoring the profound impact such investments can have on the well-being of their nations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa CDC, lauded the award as a celebration of individuals whose exceptional contributions have left an enduring mark on public health and health research throughout Africa. Kaseya specifically commended Dr. Ghebreyesus for his instrumental role in establishing the Africa CDC.
Highlighting Ghebreyesus’s historic appointment as the first African WHO Director-General in 2017, the reports underscored his significant influence in shaping the global health landscape. The award, according to Kaseya, symbolizes a lifetime of dedicated service and passion for the well-being of communities far and wide.