Uganda Chairs High Level NAM Health Ministers’ Meeting on Sidelines of World Health Assembly
Uganda has reaffirmed its leadership on the global health stage as Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, chaired a landmark meeting of Health Ministers from the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) held on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Wednesday, the meeting brought together key health leaders, including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Carlos Correa, Executive Director of the South Centre, and senior officials from NAM member states. It served as a critical platform for advancing collaboration on pressing global health challenges and pandemic preparedness.
In her keynote address, delivered virtually, Dr. Aceng reminded delegates of the commitments made during the NAM Summit in Kampala in January 2024, where leaders expressed deep concern over the continued threat of global epidemics such as COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and Ebola. She emphasized the urgent need for deeper partnerships and coordinated action to combat these challenges.
“The timing of this meeting is pivotal,” Dr. Aceng noted, referencing the recently completed draft Pandemic Agreement developed by global experts. She urged NAM member states to endorse the treaty at the World Health Assembly, stressing that equity must be its cornerstone. “Every nation, every community, and every individual regardless of geography or income deserves equal protection,” she said.
Dr. Aceng also called for strong support of the proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS), designed to ensure the fair and rapid allocation of critical resources during health crises.
Echoing her sentiments, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros called the proposed Pandemic Agreement a "landmark instrument of international law" that will address the systemic gaps exposed by COVID-19.
He also highlighted WHO’s financial constraints and appealed for increased support for the 2026–2027 Programme Budget, stressing the need for sustainable and independent funding.
Dr. Carlos Correa of the South Centre emphasized the importance of the Assembly as a defining moment for developing countries, urging nations to reject unilateralism and instead commit to a multilateral health system anchored in the WHO.
Delegates shared their respective countries’ experiences in strengthening healthcare systems and emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and financial and technical support within the NAM framework to build resilient and equitable health systems.
Uganda was widely commended for convening and leading the timely and impactful meeting. In a show of solidarity, the meeting concluded with the adoption of a statement supporting Cuba’s international medical cooperation, recognizing its vital contribution to global public health.
As global health threats continue to evolve, the NAM Health Ministers’ Meeting reaffirmed the critical role of unity, equity, and international cooperation in protecting populations and achieving sustainable development goals
