Health sovereignty can only be considered on the scale of the African continent. At least according to Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck. The former Minister of Health spoke this Tuesday in Dakar at the opening of the 8th edition of the Galien Africa Forum. Under the theme "Health Sovereignty: An Imperative for Africa," this 2025 edition highlights the need for African countries to join forces in the face of ongoing public health challenges. "Health sovereignty cannot be isolated. It is a collective sovereignty, as the African Union calls it. It is at the continental level that we must join forces, pool our resources, share our experiences, and build African health solidarity," declared Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck. The former Minister of Health emphasized that this sovereignty constitutes not only a right, but also a moral and political duty towards future generations. "It is our right to desire our sovereignty, but also our duty." And this is an imperative for Africa,” she insisted.

According to her, health sovereignty rests on the ability of African countries to define their priorities, finance their health systems, locally produce medicines and vaccines, while promoting African research and talent. "Africa is not only a continent with a double health burden. Africa is also a driver of innovation and solutions," affirmed the Forum president.

The Galien Africa Forum, held from October 28 to 31 in Dakar, annually brings together decision-makers, researchers, industrialists, philanthropists, recipients of prestigious awards, and young and female leaders to discuss major health issues in Africa. One of the highlights of this meeting remains the presentation of the Galien Africa Prize, which recognizes the best innovations in the fields of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and public health initiatives. But beyond the awards, the Forum aims, according to its president, to be "a hymn to African science and to all that innovates to save lives."

The event also stands out for its forums dedicated to youth and women, which complement the scientific forum. These spaces for discussion explore key themes such as governance, sustainable financing, local production, research, innovation, gender equity, and youth leadership. Closing the opening ceremony, Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck invited participants to turn ideas into action: "I invite you to make this forum a laboratory of ideas, but also a workshop for concrete actions, because the challenges are great, but our energy is greater."