Category: African Constituency Bureau

March 21, 2025
ACB interviews – insights on adapting TB programs, optimising resources, and leveraging technology to improve care Dr Nii Hanson-Nortey, International TB, HIV and Global Health Security Consultant

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health challenge in Africa, with funding uncertainties threatening progress. In this interview, Dr. Nii Hanson-Nortey, a leading TB expert from…

March 20, 2025
Operationalizing the Lusaka Agenda: Moving from Commitment to Action

From Commitment to Action "The Lusaka Agenda has moved from rhetoric to action. Countries are embedding its principles into national policies, strengthening primary health care,…

Empowering African Health Leadership: A Groundbreaking Induction for New Board Members of the African Constituency Bureau The African Constituency Bureau (ACB) has recently hosted an inaugural and transformative two-day meeting for its newly appointed board members, pivotal in renewing its mission to address Africa's health needs robustly. This historic induction session, led by ACB Executive Director Mrs. Susan Mochache, signifies a strategic effort to equip the incoming board members with an in-depth understanding of their significant roles and mandates. Held with key partners and stakeholders, the session underscores the Bureau’s commitment to enhancing its governance and effectiveness. Dr. Jean Jacques Mbungani, outgoing Board member for Western Central Africa (WCA), highlighted the multifaceted objectives of this initiative. The induction aimed not only to orient the new members on the governance structures of the Global Fund but also to facilitate crucial discussions on investments in HIV, TB, malaria, and health systems aligned with Africa's priorities. Furthermore, the session provided an essential platform to review the evolving global health landscape and its implications for Africa’s strategic position in global health forums. Welcome New Board Members from WCA and ESA Regions The ACB is delighted to announce the appointment of distinguished new board members from the WCA and Eastern Southern Africa (ESA) regions to the Global Fund. These leaders are not just holding positions but are the pillars of change and progress in the global health landscape, ensuring that African voices are heard and prioritized. Meet Our New Board Members: Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, WCA Board member: A venerable public health leader, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, is Nigeria's Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. With an illustrious career spanning national and global arenas, including roles as a professor at Harvard University and CEO of Gavi, he has been pivotal in addressing health crises such as COVID-19. His efforts in polio eradication and primary healthcare have garnered national and international acclaim. Prof. Pate's extensive educational background, encompassing medicine, public health, and health sector renewal, underpins his significant contributions to public health in Nigeria. Dr. Pierre Somse, WCA Alternate Board member: Dr. Pierre Somse, a public health specialist, holds a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's in Public Health. His tenure at UNAIDS and his role as Minister of Public Health and Population in the Central African Republic have been marked by notable initiatives, including the support of inclusive health programs. Dr. Somse's focus remains on optimizing the impact of Global Fund programs and fostering collaborations with key health donors. Dr. Joseph Phaahla, ESA Board member: Dr. Joseph Phaahla, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has had a distinguished career in medical practice and public service. As South Africa's Minister of Health and a longstanding Member of Parliament, he brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare and governance in South Africa. Dr. John Jingu, ESA Alternate Board member: Dr. John A.K. Jingu, Permanent Secretary at Tanzania's Ministry of Health, holds a robust background in Political Science and Public Administration. With significant contributions to public service reforms and governance, and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Limerick, his academic and professional journey underscores his dedication to strategic health leadership. Objectives and Expectations for the New Board Members: Strengthen Representation: Enhance African voices in the Global Fund’s decision-making processes, ensuring regional challenges and perspectives are thoroughly addressed. Advocate for Enhanced Resources: Push for increased funding to combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, particularly in underserved and high-burden regions. Share Expertise and Insights: Leverage their extensive regional expertise to influence health policies and strategic directions, leading to improved health outcomes across Africa. Raise the African Voice: Elevate Africa’s role in global health discussions, shaping effective strategies to tackle health disparities. “Including esteemed members from the WCA and ESA regions into the Global Fund's board is a testament to these regions' significant roles in the global health landscape. They come with a lot of experience at global, regional, and national levels, and we are eager to take advantage of and benefit from their influence," stated Susan Mochache, Executive Director at the ACB. "Africa bears the highest burden of Malaria, Tuberculosis, and HIV, with almost 72% of the Global Fund investments; we need to change the narrative and posture,” she concluded. This announcement aligns seamlessly with ACB's strategic mission to bolster African leadership in global health governance, ensuring the continent's voice is impactful and instrumental in shaping the future of international health policy.
July 6, 2024
Empowering African Health Leadership: A Groundbreaking Induction for New Board Members of the African Constituency Bureau

The African Constituency Bureau (ACB) has recently hosted an inaugural and transformative two-day meeting for its newly appointed board members, pivotal in renewing its mission…

July 4, 2024
Engaging Stakeholders for Health Transformation in Benin

This initiative in Benin focuses on the active involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society players, NGOs/associations, disease programs, technical and financial…

Malaria Mosquitoe
June 28, 2024
Combatting Malaria in Africa: African Constituency Bureau’s vital role and country experiences

On 4th of June 2024, the African Constituency Bureau organized a webinar, “Empowering Africa: Collaborative Malaria Actions”. In all, 85 participants across the African constituencies…

Lusaka Aganda
June 27, 2024
Towards Collective Action: Africa’s Path to Implementing the Lusaka Agenda

What does it take to transform health outcomes across an entire continent? The African region’s proactive stance in realizing the Lusaka Agenda provides the answer. The…

African Constituency Bureau
February 7, 2024
Prospects for the Sustainability of Global Fund Grants

A meeting of the Cluster-Based Learning Network (CBLN) of the African Constituency Bureau (ACB) for West and Central Africa (WCA) was held in Dakar, Senegal…

SADC
November 30, 2023
Promoting Africa:  African Constituency Bureau in Partnership with the Global Fund

In opening the side event, African Voices, African Leadership: “A Dialogue to Advance the Partnership with the Global Fund” on the margins of the SADC…

August 21, 2023
ACB’s New Chapter at the Africa CDC: A Journey of Commitment and Progress

As the ACB commemorated its 5th anniversary in 2022, the spirit of passion and determination remained unwavering. In 2023, a new chapter unfolds, marked by…

May 16, 2023
Africa Makes its Priorities Known at the 49th Global Fund Board Meeting

Twenty-one delegates from East and Southern Africa (ESA) and West and Central Africa (WCA) led by the African Constituency Bureau board chair, Dr. Jean Jacques…

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