As 2024 comes to a close, Africa stands at a crucial juncture in its journey toward sustainable health and development. The year has been significant for the continent, marked by ongoing health challenges, economic hurdles, and an increasing emphasis on climate change. Amid these complexities, a powerful group of global and African leaders, innovators, and advocates has emerged, driving the continent’s progress. These individuals are transforming the health and development narrative and setting the stage for a more resilient and prosperous Africa in the coming decades.
In this report, Gom Mirian delves into the key personalities who have profoundly impacted Africa’s health and development landscape, examining their contributions, challenges, and the broader implications for the continent’s future.
The Context of 2024: A Year of Challenges and Opportunities
2024 has been a year of continued disruption and transformation for Africa. The residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain a pressing issue, with countries grappling with the social and economic consequences of the health crisis. New infectious diseases and the urgent need for better healthcare infrastructure have highlighted the fragility of health systems across the continent.
The spotlight on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has also led African leaders to reconsider their priorities, especially in health, education, and sustainable economic growth. Climate change has compounded these challenges, with the continent facing increasingly severe weather patterns, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These environmental issues are economic burdens and pose severe health risks, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities in public health systems.
Global/ African Health and Development Personalities: Shaping the Future
In the face of these challenges, certain individuals have emerged as beacons of hope and innovation. Their work transcends borders, with far-reaching impacts on global and African health and development agendas. From leading health organisations to advocating for climate justice, these personalities are reshaping the future of health in Africa and the world.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – WHO Director-General
As the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus continues to play an instrumental role in global health. Under his leadership, the WHO has focused on ensuring equitable access to vaccines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His advocacy for universal health coverage (UHC) remains a cornerstone of his leadership, especially as African countries grapple with the need to strengthen their healthcare systems.
In 2024, Dr. Ghebreyesus has ramped up efforts to secure more funding for primary healthcare across Africa and other low-income regions. His leadership in pandemic preparedness and health equity has made significant strides, particularly in ensuring that African nations have fair access to health resources. His focus on combating misinformation and encouraging public health campaigns across the continent underscores his commitment to making health accessible to all, especially in underfunded regions.
Dr. John Nkengasong – Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Dr. John Nkengasong has become a pivotal figure in Africa’s response to health crises, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), he has led Africa’s efforts to build stronger disease surveillance and response systems. His work in 2024 has focused on expanding Africa’s capacity to deal with emerging health threats, from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Dr. Nkengasong has also advocated for increased regional collaboration in addressing health emergencies, urging African nations to strengthen their health systems collectively. His efforts in enhancing the continent’s ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks have been crucial in mitigating potential health crises.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina – President of the African Development Bank (AfDB)
As the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has long been a champion of the nexus between health and development. His flagship “High 5s” initiative—aimed at powering Africa, feeding Africa, industrialising the continent, integrating Africa, and improving the quality of life for Africans—has placed health as a central pillar of sustainable development.
In 2024, Dr. Adesina’s work has focused on leveraging financial resources for the development of health infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. His advocacy for greater investments in health technology and human resources is shaping the future of Africa’s health systems. Furthermore, his initiatives in agriculture have recognised the critical link between food security and health, with the African Development Bank playing a key role in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity across the continent.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been a transformative force in global trade policy. In 2024, her advocacy for more equitable global trade rules has had significant implications for Africa’s health and development, particularly regarding access to medical supplies, vaccines, and technologies.
Okonjo-Iweala has worked tirelessly to reform trade policies that restrict Africa’s access to essential medicines and healthcare products. Her efforts to ensure that Africa is not left behind in the global trade system have emphasised the importance of trade policies that empower the continent’s health sectors and enable sustainable development.
Greta Thunberg – Environmental Activist
Greta Thunberg has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for climate action globally, and in 2024, her influence has continued to grow, especially in Africa. The continent, which is among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, faces increasingly severe health risks due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and air pollution. Thunberg’s call for urgent action on climate change resonates deeply within Africa, where environmental degradation compounds existing public health challenges.
Thunberg has pushed for global cooperation to address the health implications of climate change, emphasizing that health must be integrated into climate change frameworks. Her efforts have raised awareness about the need for sustainable development that protects both the environment and public health, particularly in vulnerable African communities.
Dr. Agnes Binagwaho – Rwanda’s Health Reformer
Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, former Minister of Health in Rwanda, continues to be one of the leading health reformers in Africa. Known for her visionary leadership in transforming Rwanda’s health system, Dr. Binagwaho’s work has greatly impacted maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS care, and universal health coverage in Rwanda. In 2024, her advocacy for integrating community health workers into health systems and promoting universal health coverage remains influential.
Her leadership has been critical in shaping policies that reduce health disparities in Rwanda, serving as a model for other African nations. Dr. Binagwaho’s approach to health reform underscores the importance of innovation, community engagement, and strong political will in overcoming health challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities: The Road Ahead
While the contributions of these individuals are invaluable, Africa’s health and development challenges are far from over. The effects of climate change, political instability, and economic disparities continue to hinder progress. Yet, 2024 also presents significant opportunities for innovation. The rise of digital health technologies, increased private sector engagement, and stronger emphasis on community health initiatives are all promising trends that could reshape the continent’s future.
However, the need for sustained investments in health infrastructure, improved education, and human resources cannot be overstated. As Africa continues to work toward the SDGs, the role of these personalities and their collective efforts will remain vital in overcoming existing challenges.
As 2024 draws to a close, the leadership and contributions of key personalities in Africa’s health and development sectors offer a hopeful outlook for the future. Their vision, commitment, and innovative approaches are setting the stage for a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable Africa. While challenges persist, the ongoing efforts of these leaders provide a blueprint for overcoming obstacles and ensuring a brighter future for the continent’s people. With continued collaboration, investment, and commitment, Africa can look forward to a more prosperous and resilient future.
