Reparative Justice for Health: Advancing Equity and Strengthening Health Systems in Africa
About This Campaign
The African Union (AU) theme of the Year for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, will officially be launched by Heads of State and Government on 15 February 2025 during the 38thOrdinary Session of the AU Assembly.
While reparative justice is often discussed in economic terms, it also extends to health equity. This includes addressing the social determinants of health (SDH), rectifying systemic injustices, and ensuring the development of inclusive, resilient health systems that serve all Africans
This toolkit is designed to raise awareness about how reparations intersect with health systems strengthening (HSS) and the social determinants of health (SDH). The key messages in this toolkit will be disseminated between 12 – 16 February 2025.
Why Should This Matter To You?
For centuries, colonial legacies, systemic racism, and historical exploitation have shaped health disparities in Africa. Health is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Yet, across Africa, millions remain deprived of essential services. Reparative justice is about redressing these injustices and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to quality healthcare.
The 2025 AU Theme of the Year calls for urgent action to dismantle structural barriers in healthcare. By advocating for fair policies, mobilising increased investments, and strengthening health systems, this campaign ensures that no one—especially the most marginalised—is left behind.
This is about more than addressing the past; it’s about securing a just and equitable future. Reparative justice in health means building resilient, inclusive health systems that can protect all communities, ensure sustainable access to care, and tackle the root causes of poor health.
Have Your Say. Make A Difference.
Join the Conversation online using this social media toolkit:
[Download Campaign Visuals: shorturl.at/ZmfSG]
For further media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Whitney Mwangi | Health Policy Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org