Lusaka: The Minister of Health of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, has called on African nations to build stronger and more resilient health systems, urging member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to unite in confronting the continent's pressing health challenges. The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, is accompanied by Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Deputy Minister/Chief Medical Officer R.L., and members of the County Health officials.
According to African Press Organization, delivering her remarks at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RC75) of the WHO African Region in Lusaka, Zambia, on August 25, 2025, Dr. Kpoto congratulated the newly elected WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, describing the election as a resounding reflection of the trust and confidence that African member states have in your leadership capacity.
She commended the new Regional Director's vision and policy agenda, which she said offered a pragmatic and forward-looking roadmap to transform health outcomes across the continent. "Your vision in advancing public health in our region, and your manifestos which lay out a clear and pragmatic roadmap for transforming health outcomes in Africa, are more visionary and deeply rooted in the realities we face as African countries," Dr. Kpoto declared.
Dr. Kpoto also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on public health, urging African governments to confront the crisis with urgency and coordinated action.
She concluded her address with a message of optimism, expressing confidence that the new WHO Regional Director will steer Africa's health agenda toward greater resilience and sustainability. "I am confident that under this new leadership, we will rise to the occasion and confront the challenges before us with determination and solidarity," she affirmed.
The RC75 gathering in Lusaka has brought together health ministers, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa to deliberate on health financing, system resilience, pandemic preparedness, and strategies for achieving Africa's long-term health security.
