President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has commended African innovators for proving that the continent possesses both the human and material resources to achieve health sovereignty, as the curtains came down on the 5th Galien Africa Prize Awards in Dakar.

The prestigious ceremony, which celebrates groundbreaking achievements in health innovation and research, brought together health leaders, scientists and policymakers from across the continent reaffirming Africa’s growing leadership in science and healthcare.

Delivering his address, President Faye described the Galien Africa Prize as “a symbol of excellence and a catalyst for Africa’s scientific independence.” 

He said the success stories showcased during the forum reflect Africa’s ability to take charge of its own destiny in health innovation.

“This forum shows that Africa has both the human and material resources to own its health sovereignty,” President Faye said, commending researchers and innovators for their commitment to advancing healthcare access and quality.

He lamented how global COVID “crisis has brought us our fragility, our dependence, our inequalities and revealed how much health constitutes the first frontier of our collective security. In addition, the African health system, which is still very fragile, is confronted with the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as the emergence of new diseases.

He observed “faced with these challenges, it is no longer about waiting for Africa, but to act with determination and to act with courage. Our States must also strengthen the governance of the health sector and fully involve women, young people, scientists, civil society and the private sector in their march towards health sovereignty. Indeed, it is in inclusivity, solidarity that Africa will be able to raise its health debt and go towards health sovereignty”.

Director-General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Dr. Melchior Aissi, pledged the agency’s continued support for strengthening health research and innovation across the region.

“WAHO remains a strategic partner in building a more resilient Africa,” Dr. Aissi affirmed, highlighting the organization’s ongoing investments in regional research platforms and knowledge-sharing networks.

Representing the Gates Foundation, Cynthia Mwase also reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting health authonomy on the continent.

She noted that “I've been inspired by the groundbreaking innovations and ideas we spoke about this week. The Gates Foundation will be a partner to this continent. Together, we hope to build a future where opportunity and health are defined, not by geography, but by the potential of humanity. A future where Africa is not only a beneficiary of innovation, but is a source of innovation”.

Ms Mwase who is the Director of Health in Africa for the Gates Foundation also commended the laureates for their various achievement while accentuating their efforts “Your achievements affirm that Africa has the capacity to transform life.”

The WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commending the awardees noted that the sudden cut in aids to the continent has in its disguise “an opportunity to leave behind the era of aid dependency and transition to a new future of sustainable self-reliance based on domestic resources”. 

He expressed his excitiement to know that a number leaders on the continent are ready to make this transition. 

He noted that “there are several proven measures countries can use to build sustainable financing systems, including stronger public financial management, health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, food procurement, local manufacturing, and public health insurance. We also need innovators to develop better products and services and better ways of delivering them."

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of this year’s Galien Africa Prize, valued at $30,000, which went to ReutchHealth, an Ivorian innovation that is transforming access to healthcare in remote areas through mobile technology.

The platform connects citizens directly with health professionals and services. So far, more than 75,000 people in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have benefited from its digital health solutions, a milestone the jury described as “a game-changer for inclusive healthcare.”

Co-chair of the Galien Africa Jury, Professor Suleiman Mbo, praised the initiative for bridging the digital divide and demonstrating how African-led innovation can drive universal health coverage.

A Special Award was presented to Dr. Michael Mikanga for his dedication to advancing clinical research with global impact.

Another spotlight moment came with recognition for Associate Professor Adji Bousso Dieng celebrated as the first African woman to teach at Princeton University and a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence for healthcare underscoring the rise of African expertise in cutting-edge science.

As the 5th Galien Africa Forum closed, participants came to a collective resolve to sustain investment in local research, innovation, and collaboration.

From digital health solutions to advanced research in AI, the evening reaffirmed one message - Africa’s journey toward health sovereignty has begun, and it is powered by African brilliance.