"It is often said that to go fast, go alone, and to go far, go together. In the past 18 months, I feel however that we have gone fast together - thanks to your support."
At the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC), held in Kigali, Rwanda in March 2025, I was moved by the unity and commitment from the diverse participants at this pivotal moment in the future of Africa’s health. From African government officials, health leaders, to civil society and the private sector the message was clear. The centre must hold, and we must work together to ensure this.
Solidarity in difficult times
In difficult times like these, there is no power quite like that of being where ubuntu (a Bantu saying meaning “I am because you are”) is the driving force. Looking back, there are several moments when I felt the power of ubuntu at work.
The volte-face in international aid at the start of 2025 – the dismantling of USAID and slashing of UK Aid – was shocking but not unexpected. It confirmed the new reality for global health funding which Amref’s global strategy is built around; the need to refocus resources on primary healthcare and to diversify our income sources.
I am proud of the way in which our Amref network came together to plan to mitigate the devastating impact of these cuts on the communities we serve.
Investing in quality
In 2024, we were delighted that our central investment in fundraising was approved by Amref Health Africa’s International Board. These funds will fuel an ambitious individual giving growth plan, to help us deliver our target annual remittances of unrestricted income to Amref HQ. These funds are vital to ensure that we can continue to be led by the unique needs of the communities we serve.
I had the privilege of meeting people in communities in Kenya and Senegal. They are partnering with Amref to develop community-led approaches to managing clean water supplies, increasing the quality and breadth of local health services, and ending Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C). It was heartening to hear from the young girls championing the work to end FGM/C in Casamance region in Senegal, their stories and confidence in speaking out against the practice, to men, women, of different generations was impressive. Thanks to their work the rate of FGM/C in the area is going down.
The power of ubuntu
Uncertainty touches us all – wherever we are in the world. And it is precisely in these times that your support matters more than ever.
Every donation is a show of solidarity with Africa. We are deeply grateful that you continue to place your trust in Amref to deliver our community-led work to bring about lasting health change in Africa.
Thank you so much.
Images: (banner and 3rd image) (L-R) Awa Diassy, a Girl Champion and FGM survivor from Kolda, Casamance, Senegal with Camilla Knox-Peebles (c) Amref Senegal; Speakers at the 2025 AHAIC conference in Kigali, Rwanda (c) Amref Health Africa; Members of the Taka Ni Mali team in Dar-es-Salaam (c) Amref Tanzania; Women of Bayewede Kebele Womens Group, in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia (c) Amref Health Africa/Genaye Eshetu.
