Tunisia Pushes for African Sovereignty in Healthcare at World Health Assembly
Intense Diplomatic Efforts by Tunisian Health Minister
In the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Tunisian Health Minister Dr. Mustapha Ferjani engaged in intense diplomatic activities on Sunday, May 17, 2026. At the heart of his discussions during regional preparatory meetings were key issues such as healthcare sovereignty, local pharmaceutical production, digital transition, and technological innovation.
African Pharmaceutical Independence in Focus
Speaking at a panel dedicated to pharmaceutical industries in Africa, the Tunisian minister emphasized that "no public health security can be achieved without a strong local production, effective technology transfer, and equitable partnerships." For Dr. Ferjani, this is a strategic imperative that enables the continent to reduce its external dependence and ensure access to safe and quality medicines.
A United and Connected African Voice
During the high-level African ministerial meeting organized by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Tunisia called for the emergence of a united African voice in global health governance reform. The minister used this platform to highlight the forward-thinking experience of Tunisia, citing the deployment of electronic medical records, digital hospitals, telemedicine, and the integration of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector.
Innovation and Partnership at the Forefront of Discussions
Tunisia's influence was also evident at the Francophone Health Meetings, where Dr. Ferjani presented the country's vision for building a robust healthcare innovation ecosystem, centered on skills valorization, targeted financing, intelligent regulation, and increased synergy between scientific research and regional markets.
Bilateral Meetings and Partnerships
A productive working meeting was held with Ms. Lynn Souci, Regional Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This meeting reaffirmed the continuous support provided to Tunisia and explored new cooperation mechanisms aligned with national health priorities. In the margins of these events, the minister also met with several counterparts, including those from Egypt, Sudan, and Canada, as well as high-ranking officials from the African Union, the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
A Clear Message from Tunisia
In Geneva, Tunisia's message resonated clearly: to promote a more just, sovereign, and innovative healthcare system, resolutely serving humanity. This vision aligns with the call of President Kaïs Saïed, who advocates for a healthcare system that is more just, sovereign, and innovative.
