African Health Sovereignty Can Only Be Achieved by Relying on Strong Healthcare Systems, Competitive Pharmaceutical Industry, and Digital Transformation

On Tuesday in Nairobi, Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri emphasized that African health sovereignty can only be achieved by relying on robust healthcare systems, a competitive pharmaceutical industry, and a comprehensive digital transformation.

Speaking at a dialogue session on strengthening resilient healthcare systems and local production capacities, organized at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Zaâfrani Zenzri stressed the urgency of consolidating the continent's autonomy in the face of structural vulnerabilities revealed by recent health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

This health sovereignty must be based on robust infrastructure and technological innovation, she underscored.

The Prime Minister highlighted the example of Tunisia, with its "digital hospital" model, which now connects over 25 establishments via a secure network. She cited a 1300% increase in tele-radiology activity in 2025, with over 42,000 remote exams, as well as the connection of 31 establishments in telemedicine. These advancements, she said, improve access to care, reduce diagnostic delays, and save lives, particularly in remote areas.

In parallel, Tunisia is relying on a structured pharmaceutical industry, with over 40 companies exporting to more than 35 countries, to play a regional platform role in the production of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment. Zaâfrani Zenzri also highlighted the potential of medical tourism, with hundreds of thousands of African patients welcomed each year.

The Prime Minister outlined three strategic axes for African health sovereignty: pharmaceutical autonomy through local production and cooperation with the African Medicines Agency (AMA), strengthening primary healthcare for all Africans, and renewed international cooperation based on the "Financing and Health" approach, founded on innovative mechanisms including public-private partnerships and African group purchases.

She also announced that Tunisia will host the international summit "TeleHealthConnect 2026" from September 29 to October 1, 2026, presented as a strategic platform bringing together decision-makers, experts, researchers, and innovators to develop digital health solutions and strengthen telemedicine services.

"Africa is a continent with promising opportunities," the Prime Minister concluded, reaffirming Tunisia's commitment to building a united, prosperous continent with modern healthcare systems capable of ensuring equal access to care and addressing the health challenges of tomorrow.