The World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 (WHSRM 2026) will be hosted by the Aga Khan University-Kenya (AKU) from April 27–29, 2026, at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Nairobi, Kenya.
Founded in 2009 on the 300th anniversary of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the World Health Summit (WHS) is one of the world’s leading strategic platforms for global health. The Summit brings together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society from around the world to shape the agenda for a healthier future.
In 2026, the Regional Meeting will return to Africa for the second time and to East Africa for the second time, positioning Kenya at the center of global conversations on health systems transformation, innovation, and universal health coverage. Relevant partners from Africa and internationally, including Africa CDC and WHO AFRO, will support and participate in the Meeting.
The Summit will be held under the overarching theme:
“Reimagining African Health Systems: Innovation, Integration, and Interdependence.”
Over the three days, the Regional Meeting in Nairobi will convene:
High-level plenary sessions
Ministerial and leadership roundtables
Keynote sessions
Panel discussions
Technical workshops
Youth forums and community dialogues
Networking sessions
Side events
Site visits and exhibitions
More than 2,000 participants from over 50 countries are expected to attend, including Heads of State, Ministers of Health, Finance and Planning, senior officials from Africa CDC, WHO, and the World Bank, university leaders, innovators, philanthropic organizations, and civil society representatives.
Summit Objectives
Focus on health priorities specific to the region, ensuring that local contexts and challenges remain at the forefront of global health discussions.
Foster collaboration and inclusive dialogue among health experts, policymakers, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
Highlight and address pressing public health challenges, including emerging threats and longstanding systemic issues.
Promote innovative, evidence-based solutions and contribute to shaping global health policies through regionally informed perspectives.
Influence health outcomes at local, regional, and global levels while amplifying Africa’s voice in the global health agenda.
Sub-Themes
Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security
Climate Change, Environment and Health Resilience
Digital Health, AI and Technological Innovation
Health Workforce, Financing and Systems Building
Gender Equity, Youth Leadership and Social Accountability
Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Well-being
Primary Healthcare, UHC, NCDs, IDs and Social Determinants of Health
Women, Adolescents, Child Health and Nutrition
The World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 will provide an exceptional platform for advancing dialogue, partnerships, and action toward stronger, more resilient, and interconnected African health systems.