Addressing Summit on Global Health in African Countries, Secretary-General Urges Building People-Centred Systems that Deliver for All

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the World Health Summit regional meeting, titled “Global Health in African Countries”, being held in Coimbra, Portugal, from 19 to 20 April:

I am pleased to send best wishes to this important World Health Summit regional meeting, which focuses on global health in African countries.

Investments in health in Africa are paying off.  The continent is on the brink of eliminating several diseases.

High-level political will is increasing, but the burden of communicable diseases remains high, largely affecting the most vulnerable.  Furthermore, diseases can also threaten global health security.

It is time to build stronger, more integrated and people-centred health systems that deliver for all.

Africa’s historic number of young people creates a new demand for care and innovative ideas.

Success will require continued collaboration, investment and creativity.

Let us work together to achieve universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you.