Livingstone, Zambia – In a major step forward for Africa’s health future, the African Union (AU) Commission has finalised its groundbreaking “AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond: Sustaining the AIDS Response, Strengthening Health Systems, and Ensuring Health Security for Africa’s Development.” The comprehensive and fully costed strategy was completed during a high-level retreat held from October 2-4, 2024, in Livingstone, Zambia.

The roadmap is the result of two years of collaborative efforts following the AU Assembly Decision (Assembly/AU/Dec.852(XXXVI)). The Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, Africa CDC, and UNAIDS worked alongside Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Health Organizations (RHOs) through expert consultations and workshops to develop the plan. Now finalized, the roadmap is set for adoption by Heads of State and Government at the upcoming AU Extraordinary Assembly on Health.

This bold strategy lays out a path to transform health service delivery across the continent by embracing the “One Stop Shop” model, which integrates health services for greater efficiency and improved outcomes. Building on the “One Approach, One Plan, One Budget” initiative, the roadmap emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare—shifting away from siloed, vertical programs that often fail to meet the full spectrum of citizens’ needs.

Key to the roadmap’s vision is strengthening healthcare infrastructure, boosting workforce capacity, and ensuring equitable access to health services for all Africans. The roadmap also champions innovative domestic financing models, designed to address Africa’s unique challenges and unlock the potential of multisectoral partnerships to achieve the ambitious goals of AU Agenda 2063.

With its six strategic pillars, this roadmap represents a game-changing shift for Africa’s health systems, setting the stage for a healthier, more resilient Africa. By promoting integrated, patient-centred healthcare and advancing sustainable financing mechanisms, the AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond is poised to transform Africa’s health landscape and drive lasting development.

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