REPORT OF THE SECOND JOINT MEETING OF AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN MINISTERS OF HEALTH
The Second Joint Meeting marked a turning point in Africa–Caribbean health cooperation, reaffirming four overarching commitments that emerged from the discussions. Advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the right to health: The meeting reaffirmed that recognizing and advancing the right to health as a core obligation of governments plays a critical role to realize UHC anchored on Primary Health Care (PHC).
The meeting underscored that embedding the right to health in constitutional and governance frameworks, coupled with increasing investment in PHC, and using accountability mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review drive action. Strengthening National Health Sovereignty: The meeting underscored mobilizing domestic resources through health insurance, innovative levies, and payroll reforms as a foundation for sovereignty. It also emphasized pooled procurement, stronger clinical trial capacity, local production of medicines and vaccines, and regulatory cooperation to reduce dependence and ensure equitable access to essential health products. Deepening South–South Partnerships:
The meeting resolved to enhance cross-regional cooperation for joint and pooled procurement mechanisms, workforce exchanges, and shared research platforms.
The meeting called for expanded collaboration in digital trials and health information systems, alongside the adoption of digital innovation. Cultivating common positions and united voice: African and Caribbean leaders committed to present joint positions in global health forums to advance shared priorities and needs using opportunities. It was agreed that fragmentation weakens influence, while unity can reposition both regions as leaders and equal partners in shaping global health governance.