While African countries have made huge strides in increasing domestic investments in health, only 2 out of the 55 AU member states meet Africa’s target of dedicating at least 15% of the government budget to health and do not reach the suggested threshold of US$86.30 per person required to provide a basic package of health services. For the world’s most youthful continent, future growth and prosperity depends on developing and nurturing human capital.

In light of the foregoing, African leaders gathered ahead of the 32nd African Union Summit, to launch a new initiative aimed at increasing commitments for health and accelerating the path towards Universal Healthcare Coverage.