By John Barnes Ssentamu
The UK Global Health Summit 2026 in London has spotlighted pressure on global health systems, with leaders calling for urgent investment in health workforce development and retention.
At the centre of the discussions was the evolving role of the United Kingdom in shaping global health outcomes.
Delegates pointed to the need for alignment of policy, stronger partnerships and the use of diaspora expertise to address systemic challenges.
A key message came from Mohamed Janabi, Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization, who highlighted a major concern facing the continent.
“Africa is not failing to produce health workers — Africa is failing to retain them,” he said.
His remarks pointed to the need for long-term strategies to keep skilled professionals within African health systems.
The summit also highlighted projections of a global shortage of 11 million health workers by 2030, a gap expected to affect access to care.
Speakers said health workers are central to the functioning of health systems, noting that without a strong and supported workforce, efforts to achieve universal health coverage and respond to global health threats remain under pressure.
Referencing an African proverb, leaders noted that “when the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” stressing the need for strong foundations in health systems.
Participants said no single country can address the challenge alone.
The summit called for joint action, with emphasis on practical steps to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes
