July 2025 marked a powerful moment for ECHAlliance – The Global Health Connector in Africa, as we participated in four significant healthcare events, all held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Each gathering reinforced the importance of connectivity, collaboration, and innovation in driving progress across the continent. Andy Bleaden, our Community Director, represented the team on the ground at all these events and shares his reflections below.
1. Africa Primary Health Care Forum (14–15 July 2025)
Theme: Reimagining Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa
The opening day of the Africa Primary Health Care Forum (APHCF) was a resounding success. From powerful reflections on COVID-19 and the vital role of the private sector, to calls for greater investment in resilient systems, it was clear that primary healthcare remains central to Africa’s path to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
It was fantastic to reconnect with many of our members and partners, including Dr Francis Ohanyido, Founding Director of the West African Institute of Public Health, as well as our local Ecosystem Lead, Hannatu Ayuba. I also engaged with Dr Amit Thakker, Executive Chairman of Africa Health Business, representatives from Africa Digital Health Networks (ADHN) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)—including Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Chief Digital Advisor of Africa CDC.
Day two offered rich opportunities to further expand the ECHAlliance – The Global Health Connector community. We made strong connections with new and existing partners in Nigeria – both for-profit and non-profit organisations – showcasing the power of our Global Health Connector model.
Improved access to oxygen across Nigeria was a key theme, highlighting ongoing healthcare challenges. Another standout idea was that every ministry should act as a ministry of health – a powerful reminder of health’s value to the overall national economy. I also engaged with young public health professionals, encouraging them to build networks and use platforms like LinkedIn to amplify their voices and visibility – embodying the Global Health Connector spirit.
2. Africa Health Business Symposium (16–17 July 2025)
Theme: Leveraging Innovation to Advance Universal Health Coverage in Africa
The Africa Health Business Symposium was a celebration of innovation, impact, and cross-border collaboration.
Congratulations to our Global Health Connector Council Member Dr Amit Thakker, who was honoured as one of Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons. A powerful AI-generated tribute film and award ceremony opened the event, setting an inspiring tone.
We were delighted to see IQVIA’s Manager Isiuwa Onayiga, one of our members, speak on day one. Particularly insightful were contributions from the World Bank, showcasing data on the relationship between health spending and outcomes – a critical link that underpinned our panel on innovative health financing.
Our focus on cancer innovation through the Nigerian Ecosystem also drew strong interest and engagement. I met several stakeholders in Nigeria’s cancer space, including members of the Nigerian Cancer Society and once again, Hannatu Ayuba. It was, quite literally, a day for connecting the dots.
Day 2 offered several unique chances to connect the dots within Africa. Firstly, there was a session co-hosted by the Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa (COWHA) that explored opportunities for financing women’s health across the continent.
This was a fantastic event that brought together influential voices in Africa, including Mokgadi Mashishi from Organon META, Natasha Gilani, COWHA Project Manager from AHB, and many other key players. It highlighted the need for us to re-examine and refocus our attention in support of COWHA.
3. Launch of the Nigerian Health Ecosystem (17 July 2025)
The third event in Abuja was a major milestone: the official launch of our first Nigerian Ecosystem, with a special focus on cancer care, alongside the Nigeria Cancer Society and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
This launch was about matching needs with solutions – bringing together policy-makers, cancer patients, scientists, and health professionals. We were moved by testimonies from three cancer survivors who shared their powerful stories of living with cancer. The message was clear: cancer can be beaten – and here in Nigeria, there is the excitement, passion, and strength to move things forward.
One notable initiative is the collaboration between Teleoncology Hub, medical centres, and the newly launched Nigerian Ecosystem, aimed at reducing the cancer burden by unlocking innovative fundraising to support underserved patients and survivors.
We were honoured to be joined by influential voices, including:
- Bola Tinubu, President of the National Insurance Trust Fund Nigeria
- Dr Marius Geantă, President & Co-Founder, Centre for Innovation in Medicine (Romania), and coordinator of the 4P-CAN Cancer Thematic Innovation Ecosystem
- Professor Mark Lawlor, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Digital Health, Queen’s University Belfast
Watch the news about the launch on One Voice Africa Tv:
4. Africa Digital Health Networks (ADHN) Event (18 July 2025)
The final day of our Abuja journey was marked by the ADHN stakeholder meeting, led by Jean Philbert from the Africa CDC, alongside colleagues and partners from within the network.
Our role as Global Health connector in this key network of networks was reaffirmed, along with our engagement with key players from the CDC and our members, including Farm Access and Valero Africa. Also present were participants from the Nigerian ecosystem, such as the Nigerian Cancer Society.
We were kindly presented with the book “Health Sovereignty in Africa”, which further reinforced our role within Africa Digital Health Networks.
Our time in Nigeria highlighted how Africa is not only participating in global health conversations but leading them. We are proud to be a trusted Global Engagement Partner and Connector, helping bridge communities, solutions, and innovations across borders.
