The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, aligning institutional priorities and shaping the Summit as a platform for African-led health systems reform.

Officials from the UNICEF, the WHO, the UNFPA, the UNAIDS & UN Women, also known as the H6 were joined by the International Organization for Migration.

The team welcomed Aga Khan University’s leadership in convening the Summit and underscored Nairobi’s importance as a regional hub for multilateral health engagement.

Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF Representative to Kenya, noted the strategic alignment between WHSRM themes and UN priorities.

“Hosting this Summit in Nairobi puts Kenya firmly on the global health map,” she said. “The themes strongly align with the H6 and the Every Woman, Every Child agenda, offering a powerful opportunity to bring together practitioners, policymakers and partners around shared priorities.”

Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of AKU’s Medical College in East Africa, briefed partners on the Summit’s structure and eight thematic areas, stressing its ambition to generate practical, evidence-based outcomes.

“Africa must shift from isolated projects to systems-level change,” he said. “The Summit will convene policymakers, civil society, researchers, the private sector and development partners around measurable solutions and elevate Africa’s voice in global health conversations,” said Prof Lukoye who is also the International President of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting.

Joining Prof Lukoye from AKU were Aga Khan University Hospital CEO Rahid Khalani, Brain and Mind Institute Director, Prof. Zul Merali, Director of the Cancer Centre Prof Mansoor Saleh and Director of University Advancement, Arif Neky among other officials.

The meeting underscored the shared recognition that Africa’s rapidly changing health landscape requires deeper collaboration and more coordinated investment.

Discussions covered several priority areas, including adolescent health, cancer research and genomics, mental health, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, health security, and the commercial determinants of health.

AKU experts highlighted ongoing work in cancer genomics, mental health epidemiology and health innovation, while UN agencies expressed interest in co-hosting sessions, report launches and side events at WHSRM Nairobi.

Participants noted the importance of strengthening the role of research and data in informing policy, particularly in areas where African populations face unique challenges, such as genetic variations in cancer, mental health stigma, and gaps in access to essential medicines.

The meeting also emphasized the need to involve youth, civil society and the private sector more deliberately, recognising their role in shaping sustainable, long-term health systems.

There was broad acknowledgement that Kenya’s growing health innovation ecosystem, spanning digital health, biotechnology, community health, and regulatory reform offers a strong foundation for hosting a Summit of global and regional significance.

Participants also noted strong support from the Government of Kenya, including plans for an AU-led Head-of-State segment and a ministerial convening during the Summit.

WHSRM Nairobi is set to benefit Nigeria, which is rapidly strengthening its health system through major reforms and investments, including the commissioning of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja and over $2.2 billion secured under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The country is renovating more than 17,000 primary health centres, training 120,000 frontline health workers, and expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme to include informal sector workers, with a target of covering 83 million Nigerians by 2030.

Nigeria’s health tech sector has also gained momentum, raising over $50 million in 2024, reinforcing its leadership in digital health innovation and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The meeting follows an AKU-led donor roundtable on financing integrated African health systems, reflecting growing momentum among regional and global partners.

Taken together, these engagements demonstrate increasing alignment among governments, academia, development partners and the private sector around accelerating African-led health systems reform.

Seeking to encourage more women to undergo early screening, AMCE wants to ensure preventive steps are taken against one of the most common cancers affecting women globally.

According to the hospital, the discounted offer is a drive for awareness and accessibility, particularly for women who might otherwise skip regular check-ups due to cost barriers. The initiative also reveals AMCE’s new focus on promoting preventive healthcare across Africa, rather than limiting its work to treatment alone.

Healthcare: AMCE Opens its Doors to the Public

Dr Gabriel Boules, clinical director of Oncology at AMCE, noted the importance of early screening in saving lives. “Early detection remains the most effective way to save lives from breast cancer. A simple screening can make all the difference. At AMCE, we are committed to breaking barriers to access and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to prioritise her health,” he said.

He further stressed the hospital’s mission to combine care with education and empowerment. “Our goal is not just to treat illness, but to empower women with knowledge and access. By making screenings more affordable, we’re helping more people take control of their health, because early detection saves lives,” he added.

Breast cancer ranks among the top causes of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. However, experts believe that improved awareness and increased access to early diagnosis can drastically reduce mortality rates.

For AMCE, making mammogram screenings more affordable through the 50% discount is a good way to close the gap between awareness and action.

Throughout October, women are encouraged to take advantage of the offer by booking appointments at the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja.

The hospital reiterated that beyond treatment, its focus is also on prevention, education, and accessible healthcare for women across the continent.

A distinguished delegation, led by Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank & AMCE Board Chairman, alongside AMCE Board Members, top Nigerian government officials—including Deputy President of the Senate of Nigeria, Senator Barau Jibrin; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa and wife of the former Senate President and former First Lady of Kwara State; and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and  Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group—as well as leading corporate CEOs and executives, gathered for an exclusive walkthrough of AMCE’s rapidly progressing construction site.

Attendees received firsthand updates on key project milestones and explored the hospital’s state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and technology. They also gained insights into the significant progress toward completion, including the final stages of interior tiling, vinyl flooring installation, lift system integration, and external infrastructure development.

With the hospital’s launch set for June 2025, AMCE Abuja which will deliver comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare continues to make remarkable progress.

As of February 2025, all civil and structural works have been completed, with rigorous quality assurance and control measures ensuring the highest construction standards.

External roadworks and infrastructure services are also advancing, marking a crucial phase in the project’s finalisation.

The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to AMCE’s transformative mission and vision—delivering world-class medical care, reducing medical tourism, and positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for specialised healthcare in Africa.

Commenting on the progress, Professor Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the Board of Directors of both Afreximbank and AMCE, stated:

“The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) represents a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in healthcare. For too long, our continent has borne the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases, capital flight from medical tourism, and the exodus of skilled professionals seeking opportunities abroad. AMCE is set to change that narrative.

By delivering world-class, lifesaving care to over 350,000 patients within its first five years, this facility will ensure that quality healthcare is no longer a privilege reserved for those who can afford to travel overseas. It will create 3,000 jobs, stimulate Intra-African trade in medical services, and strengthen critical supply chains in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery.

Most importantly, it will help Nigeria retain the over $1.1 billion lost annually to outbound medical tourism, redirecting those resources towards strengthening our own systems.

He further stated:

This initiative is more than an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in Africa’s future. Through strategic partnerships with governments, international stakeholders, and the private sector, we are demonstrating that Africa has both the ambition and the capability to provide world-class healthcare for its people. The AMCE is not just a medical facility; it is a statement of intent, a symbol of progress, and a beacon of hope for a healthier, more self-reliant continent.”

Speaking at the event, Brian Deaver, chief executive officer of AMCE, highlighted the hospital’s impact:

“The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence is not just a hospital—it is a bold step toward reshaping the future of specialised healthcare in Africa. By integrating cutting-edge medical technologies, pioneering research, and world-class training, AMCE is creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that will set new standards for medical excellence across the continent.

This facility is more than a response to Africa’s healthcare challenges—it is a proactive investment in the well-being of millions. From early diagnostics to advanced treatment and long-term disease management, AMCE will provide a seamless continuum of care that improves patient outcomes, strengthens medical expertise, and retains talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.

As we move closer to our launch, our focus remains unwavering: building a centre of excellence that not only delivers life-saving care but also drives economic growth, supports local innovation, and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for specialised medical treatment. Through strategic partnerships and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are not just treating diseases—we are transforming healthcare delivery for generations to come.”

Senator Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the Senate:

“The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence represents a transformative leap for healthcare in Nigeria and across the continent. Witnessing the rapid progress of this project reaffirms our commitment to fostering world-class medical infrastructure that will provide accessible and high-quality care for all. The Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen our healthcare system and enhance the well-being of our people.”

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation: 

“Healthcare is the backbone of national development, and the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence is a shining example of what strategic investment and collaboration can achieve. This project will not only position Nigeria as a hub for cutting-edge medical services but also create jobs and drive innovation in the sector. The government is proud to support such a visionary initiative that will serve generations to come.”

As AMCE prepares to open its doors, the vision for a world-class medical ecosystem continues to take shape.

The full development of the AMCE Campus will further solidify its role as a centre of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.

Future phases will include a second 350-bed hospital facility, a medical and nursing school, a medical and sciences foundation, a dedicated medical office suite and research centre, as well as medical residences and a medical lodge to support patients and healthcare professionals alike.

With this expansion, AMCE is not only addressing Africa’s immediate healthcare needs but also building a sustainable foundation for medical innovation, talent development, and long-term health security.

By fostering world-class training, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive patient care, AMCE is shaping the future of specialised healthcare in Africa—ensuring that the continent’s brightest medical minds and most complex cases can be treated at home.

The meeting centered on the Bank’s initiatives and financing support to the country and specifically focused on the progress and potential impact on the 500 bed African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja, as well as its broader implications for healthcare across Africa.

All parties affirmed the importance of the AMCE Abuja project as a flagship development with potentially transformative implications for African healthcare, both significantly reducing the need for outbound, extra-African medical tourism by providing world-class medical services on the continent and, by extension, stemming the tide of healthcare talent migration from Africa.

The Abuja facility will focus on three core non-communicable diseases (Oncology, Haematology and Cardiology) and general care capabilities, and partly reflects co-operation with global partners including KCH, the University of Wisconsin Teaching Hospital, USA, and the Christies Hospital, Manchester, are serving to demonstrate the direction in which African healthcare provision should go in order to better serve the continent.

The AMCE Abuja, which is nearing completion, is the first of five such centres planned across Africa.

The facility will constitute a leading centre for research and development in medicine and clinical services, as well as offering residency, training and observership placement programmes to physicians and medical students from Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

To complement the AMCE Abuja and develop human resources in healthcare, Afreximbank has entered an arrangement with KCL to establish a Medical & Nursing School in Abuja to support the production of quality medical personnel in Africa.

The platform will also be used to collaborate with other colleges of medicine in Nigeria and across Africa.

President Oramah’s wide-ranging discussion with His Excellency President Tinubu also touched upon the landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Afreximbank and the Federal Ministry of Health to support the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC) through a US$1 billion Healthcare Value Chain Programme.

President Tinubu, commented;

“We welcome this significant step towards investing in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. This facility is a great commitment to humanity. We are open and ready to assist this project in every way possible. Africa is in need, and Nigeria is committed to the need of its people. Putting people’s welfare first is putting healthcare first. The training and development of our people are our priorities, and we thank Afreximbank and their partners for their ongoing support”

Oramah, commented;

“I am grateful to President Tinubu for his time, and for an animated and fascinating discussion on among our continent’s central challenges: the provision and delivery of quality, effective healthcare. For too long, our continent has watched as its best and brightest medical minds have migrated to Europe and America – but we are now poised to develop a domestic healthcare sector which can retain talent, eventually rivalling and even surpassing systems in other regions.”