The Durban Promise – Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa

The 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2025) convened at a pivotal moment in the continent’s history. Africa faces a sharp rise in public-health emergencies—up over 40 percent since 2022—amid steep declines in external health financing, escalating debt-service burdens, and widening fiscal constraints. At the same time, the world’s attention turns to Africa as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency in 2025, creating a rare opportunity for the continent’s unified voice to shape global health priorities.

Amid these pressures and possibilities, CPHIA 2025 became a continental rallying point for scientists, policymakers, innovators, and leaders to forge a new vision of self-reliance, resilience, and shared prosperity. The message was clear: Africa’s health sovereignty is not merely an aspiration—it is a necessity for economic transformation and security.

Held under the theme “Moving Toward Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security,” the conference brought together nearly 20,000 participants—both in person and online in Durban from across governments, academia, civil society, and global partnerships.

Four catalytic priorities emerged as the key pillars of Africa’s Health Sovereignty:

1. African Manufacturing.
2. Innovative Health Financing.
3. Primary Health-Care Transformation.
4. Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
5. Data Ownership and Governance.

Together, these priorities define Africa’s roadmap toward self-reliance, sustainability, andleadership in global health.