From March 2 to 5, 2025, Kigali became the heart of a continental conversation on health equity as it hosted the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC 2025). Under the powerful theme “Connected for Change: Addressing Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Health,” the gathering brought together policymakers, health professionals, youth leaders, and civil society organizations to tackle pressing health challenges facing Africa today.
Medical Doctors For Choice (MDFC) proudly participated in this influential convening, aligning its mission with the conference’s strong emphasis on locally-led, people-centered, and gender-sensitive approaches to health system strengthening. Throughout the four-day event, MDFC engaged in high-level discussions that addressed the structural barriers impeding equitable access to care, particularly in the realm of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
AHAIC 2025 was not just a conference; it was a call to action. Sessions ranged from dismantling patriarchal systems and strengthening youth leadership to applying artificial intelligence in health and securing sustainable financing for immunization programs. MDFC members attended key discussions that directly intersected with our work, including “Reclaiming Control: Let’s Talk About SRHR,” which explored strategies for expanding autonomy and access in reproductive healthcare. The conversations reaffirmed that true resilience in Africa’s health systems cannot be achieved without prioritizing reproductive rights, community engagement, and inclusive leadership.
Notably, MDFC contributed to dialogues that highlighted the importance of safe abortion access and comprehensive reproductive services as non-negotiable components of universal health coverage. Our team also participated in networking events such as “Women in Global Health: Meet and Greet,” which provided valuable opportunities for building solidarity among women leaders and advocates from across the continent.
A major outcome of MDFC’s participation was the forging of new strategic connections with regional and global organizations working toward the same goal: a future where everyone, regardless of gender or geography, has the right to make informed decisions about their health and body. We also left the conference with renewed urgency and actionable insights that will guide our community engagement, provider training, and digital innovation efforts in Rwanda.
As the AHAIC 2025 concluded, one thing was clear: change in Africa’s health landscape will be driven from within—by its youth, its communities, and its women. MDFC remains committed to advancing this vision, championing safe, accessible, and rights-based healthcare for all.
