The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, will host the Seventy-sixth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC76) in Addis Ababa from 24 to 28 August 2026.

The high-level meeting will bring together Ministers of Health and senior officials from the 47 Member States of the WHO African Region, alongside global health leaders, development partners, donors, and representatives from WHO headquarters, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, and WHO country offices. More than 600 delegates are expected to participate in what is the Region's highest annual forum for health governance and policymaking.

As the governing body of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the Regional Committee meets annually to review progress on regional health priorities, adopt policies and strategies, provide oversight of WHO's work in the Region, and set the strategic direction for improving health across Africa.

RC76 will provide Africa's foremost platform for high-level policy dialogue and decision-making on the Region's most pressing health priorities. Throughout the five-day session, Member States and partners will review progress, consider regional strategies and resolutions, and agree on collective actions to strengthen health systems, accelerate progress towards universal health coverage, enhance health security, improve emergency preparedness and response, and address emerging public health challenges.

The session will also feature technical side events, exhibitions, bilateral meetings and public engagement activities, providing opportunities to showcase innovative health solutions, strengthen partnerships, and promote the exchange of knowledge and experience among countries and institutions.

Hosting RC76 underscores Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to advancing public health and regional cooperation. As the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa provides an ideal setting for regional and global leaders to come together to address shared health priorities and advance collective action for better health.

The meeting also presents an important opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase progress in strengthening its health system and advancing national health priorities in collaboration with WHO and partners. Recent achievements—including expanded access to essential health services, strengthened health system performance, and the successful containment of the Marburg virus disease outbreak—demonstrate the country's continued commitment to building resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to current and emerging public health challenges.

"Hosting the Seventy-sixth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa reflects Ethiopia's strong commitment to regional solidarity and collective action for health," said Professor Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, the African Union and UNECA. "The meeting will provide an important opportunity for Member States to shape the Region's health agenda, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress towards healthier, safer and more resilient communities across Africa."

The Government of Ethiopia, together with WHO and its partners, is making extensive preparations to ensure a successful and impactful session that fosters collaboration, advances evidence-informed policymaking, and contributes to improved health outcomes across the African Region.