Amref Expands into Geneva as Africa Seeks Bigger Role in Global Health Power Structures

 

As global health leaders meet in Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly, Amref Health Africa is positioning itself closer to the centre of the conversations shaping the future of healthcare financing, policy and reform.

The Africa-based health organisation has announced the launch of Amref Health Africa Switzerland, a new liaison office aimed at strengthening engagement with policymakers, philanthropic institutions, research organisations and global health financing partners across Switzerland and Europe.

The move comes at a critical moment for the global health sector.

Shrinking development assistance, rising geopolitical tensions, climate-driven health threats and mounting pressure on healthcare financing are forcing governments and international institutions to rethink how health systems are funded, governed and prioritised — particularly across developing economies.

Against that backdrop, Amref says the Switzerland office represents more than geographical expansion. It is part of a broader effort to ensure African institutions and expertise play a stronger role in shaping global health decisions that directly affect the continent.

Africa Pushing for Greater Influence

For decades, much of the global health agenda affecting African countries has largely been shaped outside the continent by donor governments, multilateral agencies and international development organisations.

But that model is increasingly being challenged as African countries confront more complex public health pressures ranging from disease outbreaks and maternal health challenges to climate-linked health risks and rapidly growing populations.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Githinji Gitahi said Africa could no longer remain at the margins of decisions that shape the future of its healthcare systems.

“As the global health landscape continues to shift, Africa must not remain on the margins of decisions that shape the future of its people and health systems,” he said.

“African countries, communities and institutions are already leading innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.”

He added that the Switzerland office would strengthen Amref’s ability to engage international partners “on more equal terms,” while ensuring collaborations are informed by African priorities, expertise and local realities.

The comments reflect a growing debate within global development circles over the need to rebalance health governance and move away from heavily donor-driven systems toward more locally led approaches.

Why Geneva Matters

The choice of Switzerland is highly strategic.

Geneva remains one of the world’s most influential centres for global health diplomacy, hosting the World Health Organization alongside major philanthropic foundations, health financing institutions, research bodies and international policy organisations.

By establishing a presence there, Amref positions itself closer to the institutions shaping conversations around healthcare financing, innovation, research and development policy.

The organisation said the office would serve as a platform for partnership-building, resource mobilisation, policy engagement and collaboration aimed at strengthening resilient and equitable health systems across Africa.

It will also support efforts to elevate African research, evidence and innovation within international discussions that have historically been dominated by institutions from wealthier economies.

Pressure Mounting on Global Health Financing

The expansion comes amid rising concern about the future sustainability of global health funding.

Several donor countries and international development agencies are facing fiscal pressure from economic slowdowns, geopolitical instability and competing domestic spending priorities.

That has intensified fears that healthcare systems across developing regions could face widening financing gaps at a time when demand for services continues to rise.

Climate change is adding another layer of pressure.

Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, disease migration and food insecurity are increasingly creating new health risks across Africa, stretching already constrained public health systems.

Amref says its expanded engagement will focus on areas including primary healthcare, health financing, women’s health, climate and health, digital innovation, community health systems and broader global health reform.

Building African-Led Health Solutions

As Africa’s largest Africa-based international health organisation, Amref works with governments, communities and institutions across the continent to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes.

The organisation has increasingly positioned itself around the argument that sustainable health progress in Africa must be driven by African institutions, African expertise and solutions rooted in local realities rather than externally imposed models.

Commenting on the Switzerland expansion, Guglielmo Micucci said the office would help deepen collaboration between African health priorities and Switzerland’s global health ecosystem.

“We look forward to building partnerships that support sustainable, African-led solutions and contribute to lasting health impact across the continent,” he said.

The launch ultimately reflects a broader shift underway within global development conversations, where African institutions are increasingly seeking not only access to international funding and partnerships, but also greater influence over how global health priorities are defined, financed and implemented.