African Faith and Health Leaders Unite to Drive Locally-Led Action for Stronger Health Systems
Christian faith and health leaders from 10 African countries issued a joint Unity Statement today calling for greater national investment and global solidarity to sustain health services and ensure equitable access to care.
Meeting at the African Faith & Health Leaders Consultation, co-hosted by Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH), the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), and the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP), held November 25-27, participants urged governments and international partners to work hand-in-hand with faith-based health providers that serve millions across Africa.
The faith leaders held a press conference on November 27 at the AACC offices to share their conclusions and calls for action. They were represented at the press conference by:
- Rev. Francis Mkandawire, Evangelical Association of Malawi
- Ms. Joyce Daphine Khayiyi, AACC Youth Network/Anglican Church of Uganda
- Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Church of Nigeria, and
- Archbishop Alex Malalusa, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Watch the press conference:
“Significant reductions in global health funding are prompting us to revisit our roots,” said Doug Fountain, Executive Director of CCIH. “Health is essential to the mission of the Church, and we estimate there are 14,000 Christian health facilities in Africa based on available data, and probably an equivalent number of community-based health programs. National governments and private sources must step up, making this the optimal moment to leverage faith-based assets.”
“Faith leaders have tremendous influence in their communities, especially with respect to personal issues such as health,” said Rev. Dr. Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel, Director of Peace, Ecclesial Leadership, Development, Interfaith and Theology, All Africa Conference of Churches. “They care deeply for the well-being of their congregations and are important advocates for policies that advance and protect health.”
“In the face of funding reductions, we are seeing new partnerships and innovation among Christian health actors,” added Nkatha Njeru, CEO of ACHAP. “Now is the time to strengthen collaboration with national and local governments.”
Faith-based networks provide a large share of Africa’s health services, often in remote and underserved communities. The leaders’ statement emphasizes that empowering local systems and sustaining faith-government collaboration are crucial to health in Africa.
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Media contact: Ann Kioi | annkioi (at) aacc-ceta.org
About the Hosts:
Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) is a global network of more than 125 organizations and individuals working in over 90 low- and middle-income countries. CCIH expands the impact of Christian health by strengthening visibility, quality, and fellowship of those engaged in community and facility-based services.
The Africa Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP) unites more than 40 national Christian Health Associations in 32 sub-Saharan African countries. Together, they manage over 10,000 health facilities, delivering up to 70 percent of services in some nations and reaching more than half a billion people. Rooted in faith and community, ACHAP strengthens collaboration, builds capacity, and amplifies the collective voice of Christian health networks to influence policy, mobilize resources, and advance equitable, people-centered health across Africa.
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) is a continental ecumenical body representing more than 200 million Christians through 215 member churches, councils, and institutions in 43 African countries. Headquartered in Nairobi with offices in Lomé and Addis Ababa, AACC promotes unity, justice, and transformation across Africa. Through advocacy and collaboration with the African Union and other partners, it amplifies the church’s voice on sustainable development, peace, and faith-based action for the continent’s people.