Faced with a global disease burden of 24 per cent but only 3 per cent of the world’s health professionals, Africa continues to grapple with the challenge of meeting its own health needs.

Yet, a growing number of young Africans are rising to the task by leading advocacy for the continent’s health sovereignty.

This was the key highlight of the 8th Galien Africa Forum, which opened on October 28, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal.

The first of the three-day conference was held under the theme: “Rethinking Health Leadership: Preparing a Generation Capable of Defending Africa’s Health Sovereignty in a Technological and Globalized World.”

More than 2,500 participants, including scientists, health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and students are attending the forum both in-person and virtually.

The gathering seeks to re-examine Africa’s contribution to global health leadership and to reaffirm the continent’s commitment to asserting control over its own health priorities.

One of the major attractions at the forum was an exhibition by young, innovation-driven African scientists showcasing promising technological solutions aimed at addressing persistent health challenges. Among the projects presented were pitches on Universal Access to Healthcare: Leveraging Biometrics and AI, Safe Water Hubs, and Integrated Health Systems.

Participants were invited to evaluate and endorse the best ideas for possible future adoption and implementation.

Two medical students, leading a team of 10, Samuel Afolabi from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and Lydia Ankomah Oben from the University of Ghana Medical School, both presented a pitch on Universal Access to Healthcare Leveraging Biometrics and AI.

Speaking to JoyNews Editor Emefa Ewoenam Atiamoah-Eli, who is also Ghana’s National Coordinator of the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), at the Forum, Afolabi explained that technology holds the key to bridging Africa’s healthcare gaps.

“Many people in Africa lack the proper data needed to access quality healthcare. Some spend two to three hours at hospitals for consultations that should last less than 30 minutes, while others walk several kilometers just to see a doctor,” he said.

The team’s proposed solution is a simple mobile application designed to close these gaps and help Africa take greater control of its health needs.

Lydia Ankomah Obeng emphasised that “Education and awareness creation in remote areas are critical to getting people to adopt and use the app for improved well-being.”

She expressed optimism that with the adequate government and development partner support, the innovation could be scaled up across the continent.

Making a strong case for Africa to take ownership of its health data, Prof. Dr. Bamba Gaye, a Research Scientist in Preventive Cardiology at the Institute of Health and Development (ISED), University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, stressed that “Africa must become an active contributor to AI systems by feeding them with its own data to avoid biased, externally sourced information that misrepresents the continent’s true health realities.”

Under the leadership of Prof. Marie Coll Seck, President of Galien Africa, the opening day of the 8th Galien Forum attracted several high-level dignitaries.

In her address, Prof. Seck intimated that “Africa is not just a continent, it is the driving force for innovation.”

She called for the scaling up of local production and promotion of African health products, urging stakeholders to help mobilise resources and expertise toward achieving true health sovereignty.

Officially opening the forum, Senegal’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, called on participants to view health sovereignty not merely as a slogan but as a collective responsibility.

“Reclaiming autonomy over Africa’s health requires deliberate action, investing in youth training and technological innovation in healthcare delivery,” he stated.