The second African Debate on Reducing Health Risks officially began on Wednesday, September 27th at the Conference Palace in Marrakech, Morocco. The event’s theme is “Health in Africa: Water, Development, and Food Security” and it is organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests. The event is held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and in partnership with the African World Health Association.
This international gathering aims to establish an African platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise in public health and risk prevention.
The second edition of the African Debate on Reducing Health Risks features the participation of key political figures from across the African continent and other esteemed guests. Additionally, ministers from Morocco’s government are in attendance as part of Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s delegation. The event also welcomes foreign experts and researchers who will delve into various topics related to environmental concerns, food security, and public health.
The inaugural African Debate on Reducing Health Risks, held last year, adopted the Marrakech Declaration comprising 14 recommendations aimed at reducing health risks across the African continent. These recommendations are committed to minimizing health risks on the African continent and striving to ensure health and technological sovereignty in the service of the health of the African population.
Participants in the previous event emphasized the necessity of increasing health expenditure to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for African residents. They underscored the importance of enhancing and strengthening healthcare systems in Africa, improving the daily living conditions of all citizens, and developing healthcare policies tailored to the African context.
The attendees also highlighted the need to establish an African Charter for Reducing Health Risks and to achieve a sovereignty shift in healthcare systems, thus fostering solidarity and cooperation in the pursuit of health security for all African citizens.