East African Community and UN partner to improve health
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The East African Community (EAC) and four United Nations agencies agreed to establish a joint framework to increase investment and coordination of health services for mothers, children, and young people in East Africa.
The framework will align the plans and resources of the EAC, the UN organizations, and member countries to prioritize reproductive health, maternal and child health, adolescent health, gender equality, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and universal health coverage.
Officials from the EAC and the UN agencies, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO, reached this agreement on September 15, 2026, during a meeting in Arusha, Tanzania. Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for joint regional action in health and human resource development, particularly given the growing youth population in East Africa.
Sustainable investment in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), HIV/AIDS prevention, gender equality, adolescent health, and universal health coverage is crucial for reducing maternal and child mortality, improving reproductive health services, protecting youth from health challenges, and harnessing the potential of the region’s large youth population. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, added that sustainable financing systems and supportive legal and policy environments are also important for improving health outcomes and promoting inclusive development.
