Khadijah Aliyu-Nigeria
A global health governance expert has warned that Africa must strengthen its voice in international health negotiations as major geopolitical shifts reshape the global health landscape.
Speaking during a webinar organized by the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Stephanie Tchiombiano, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, examined the implications of emerging global health geopolitics and the challenges confronting African countries.
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The session was moderated by Ms. Ambrose Mèmèdè, Director of SAVIOR NEWS Togo and REMAPSEN Vice President in charge of Health Promotion.
Tchiombiano explained that global health issues transcend national borders and require collective responses, making international cooperation and effective governance critical to addressing health crises.
She noted that changing global power relations and growing pressures on multilateral institutions are redefining the architecture of global health governance.
The political scientist highlighted the decision by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), describing it as a major turning point in international health cooperation.
According to her, the move was driven by criticisms of the WHO’s structure, concerns over funding contributions, and allegations regarding the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She noted that the United States’ withdrawal created significant financial and operational challenges for the WHO, leading to budgetary constraints, restructuring measures, and disruptions to global health programmes. The decision also weakened confidence in multilateral institutions and encouraged some countries to reconsider their engagement with the global health body.
Tchiombiano further drew attention to the “America First Global Health Strategy” unveiled by the United States in 2025. She said the policy signaled a shift from multilateral engagement toward bilateral partnerships, with a stronger emphasis on advancing American interests, protecting national health security, and countering geopolitical rivals.
According to her, the strategy has resulted in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with countries around the world, including several African nations. These agreements involve reduced levels of funding compared to previous arrangements, while requiring partner countries to contribute resources and share health-related data.
She observed that some African countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Ghana, reportedly declined to sign the agreements over concerns related to data access, sovereignty, and the terms of engagement. The development, she said, underscores the growing complexity of global health diplomacy.
The lecturer also pointed to demographic projections indicating that Africa’s population is expected to account for approximately 37 percent of the world’s population by 2100, compared to about 18 percent today. This growth, she said, will significantly increase healthcare demands, climate adaptation needs, and humanitarian challenges across the continent.
On representation in international negotiations, Tchiombiano stressed the importance of ensuring that African countries speak with a stronger and more coordinated voice.
She cited the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 and the growing role of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as important steps toward greater influence in global decision-making.
She also highlighted efforts by African institutions to develop continental health strategies, strengthen public health coordination, and improve responses to health emergencies. These initiatives, she noted, are helping African countries become more active participants in shaping global health policies.
Another key challenge identified during the webinar was access to health products, particularly vaccines. Tchiombiano noted that Africa currently produces only a small fraction of the vaccines it consumes, making local manufacturing and pharmaceutical capacity-building critical priorities for the continent.
She further emphasized the need for sustainable health financing, stronger South-South cooperation, and enhanced health sovereignty to reduce dependence on external actors and ensure long-term resilience.
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The webinar concluded with a call for African governments, regional institutions, and development partners to work together in strengthening the continent’s bargaining power, health systems, and capacity to respond to future global health challenges.