The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the recent suspension of aid to African countries provides an opportunity for affected countries to get rid of aid dependency and embrace a new era of sovereignty.

WHO Director General Tedros Gebreyesus revealed during a session of the WHO regional committee for Africa, currently taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, that the organisation is scaling down over 600 jobs to redirect resources to address a 40% deficit in the global health sector.

The 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa is being held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 25 to 27 August 2025.

The Regional Committee is the WHO's decision-making body in the region, convening once a year to discuss and endorse policies, activities, and financial plans aimed at improving the health of the people of Africa.

The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has called for local investment in the health sector.

The World Health Organisation equally agrees in self-reliance and partnerships within African countries.

Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema has called for preparedness for pandemics, adding that countries need to build resilience to respond to pandemics. 

This three-day session has drawn many participants from around the globe, including ministers of health from almost all African countries.