Building on intra-African collaboration for sustainable healthcare system & health security

Abstract African health systems continue to face persistent challenges including workforce shortages, fragmented regulatory systems, limited infrastructure, and dependence on external sources for medical supplies and public health interventions. In this context, strengthening intra-African collaboration has emerged as a critical strategy for improving healthcare delivery and advancing health security across the continent. This article identified the key efforts of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Medicines Agency (AMA), various other organisations and initiatives aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, surveillance and digital health. By leveraging the collective strengths of African countries through coordinated regional action, intra-African collaboration can play a transformative role in increasing access to quality healthcare, and strengthening health system resilience. The aim of this commentary is to examine the role of regional cooperation in building resilient and sustainable healthcare systems in Africa, highlighting existing frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and collaborative initiatives.