Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Monday opened the fifth edition of the Africa Health Exhibition and Conference (Africa Health ExCon 2026), where Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya warned of severe continental risks from the Ebola virus epidemic and called for a unified medical procurement mechanism. Opening the four-day event running from June 15 to 18 on behalf of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Madbouly received Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut prior to the opening ceremony, with Macut participating in the inaugural proceedings. Addressing the conference, titled “Health Sovereignty in Africa: Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Reliance,” Kaseya described the Ebola epidemic as the most widespread and dangerous outbreak facing the continent. He stated that the conference must address the necessary actions required to counter this significant threat, urging the development of local production pathways within each country alongside joint initiatives. Kaseya also thanked President El-Sisi for Egypt’s continuous support to African nations and its decision to dispatch medical supplies, describing the move as a reflection of solidarity. Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the conference embodies Egypt’s vision to enhance African health sovereignty and establish the continent as a global hub for innovation, manufacturing, and health trade. Abdel Ghaffar emphasised that the future of African healthcare relies on transitioning from treating illness to building health, moving from reactive systems to proactive ones based on prevention, early detection, innovation, and digital transformation. He added that Africa possesses the human resources, scientific competencies, and investment opportunities to achieve this, noting that Egypt will continue supporting health integration, transferring expertise, building capacity, and localising medical industries under President El-Sisi’s leadership, as investing in health is an investment in human capital, development, and stability. Egyptian Drug Authority Chairperson Ali El-Ghamrawy outlined his organisation’s strategic roadmap until 2030, which is built upon five interconnected pillars. These comprise the growth of the Egyptian medicine market, the localisation of the pharmaceutical industry, the enhancement of Egyptian pharmaceutical exports, the attainment of international recognition alongside regional and global leadership, and the implementation of digital transformation and pharmaceutical tracking. El-Ghamrawy added that the event serves as an extension of an ambitious vision to build a safer, more sustainable health and pharmaceutical community grounded in innovation, partnership, and integration. The event is organised by the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and the Management of Medical Technology (UPA). UPA Chairperson Hesham Stait welcomed attendees, noting that the exhibition has become a prominent platform for dialogue, cooperation, and strategic partnerships in the African healthcare sector, bringing together decision-makers, health leaders, development partners, and experts. Stait noted that this year’s edition gains special significance from the participation of the Serbian Prime Minister, reflecting growing bilateral relations between Egypt and Serbia, and from the continuous strategic partnership with the Africa CDC, which is co-hosting the event for the second consecutive year. This year’s exhibition features the participation of more than 400 local, regional, and international companies, with expected attendance exceeding 45,000 experts and decision-makers from around the world. The event includes more than 21 extensive dialogue and specialised sessions, alongside intensive technical workshops aimed at translating health challenges into tangible investment and development opportunities. The opening ceremony also included the screening of a documentary film detailing achievements from previous editions of the conference. Organisers stated that the event represents the largest healthcare gathering on the African continent, aimed at enhancing health security, achieving integration among African nations, supporting the local manufacturing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, expanding healthcare investment and innovation, and strengthening medical supply chains. The event is held in cooperation with the Africa CDC and aligns with the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development. The conference is attended by current and former ministers, members of parliament, heads of international and regional organisations, ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives. A comprehensive array of Egyptian health entities are participating as main partners, including the Ministry of Health and Population, the UPA, the Egyptian Drug Authority, the General Authority for Healthcare Accreditation and Regulation, the General Authority for Healthcare, and the General Authority for Universal Health Insurance, alongside universities, educational hospitals, relevant regulatory and oversight bodies, and major pharmaceutical companies. Over its four days, the conference schedule features a comprehensive programme of panel discussions, specialised forums, and technical workshops. These sessions will address several vital files, including the localisation of medical industries, enhancing drug security, digital transformation in the health sector, artificial intelligence applications, healthcare financing, and the development of medical supply chains, alongside mechanisms for building health systems that are more resilient and capable of responding to future health crises and emergencies. The post Egypt opens Africa Health ExCon 2026 as Africa CDC chief warns of Ebola threat first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
