Nairobi to Host 2nd Eastern Africa Regional Global Health Security Summit (EARGHSS 2026)

Nairobi, Kenya — As East Africa positions itself at the forefront of regional health security, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has completed final preparations to host the 2nd Eastern Africa Regional Global Health Security Summit (EARGHSS 2026) from January 27 to 29, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Nairobi. 

Organised under the theme “Catalysing Collaboration & Local Manufacturing of Health Commodities for Africa’s Sovereign Health Security,” the summit is expected to convene more than 1,500 delegates — including government leaders, health experts, private sector representatives, academia and development partners from across Eastern Africa and beyond. 

Strategic Shift: From Dependence to Sovereign Manufacturing

The summit reflects a decisive shift in regional health priorities. Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga highlighted the urgency of moving beyond reliance on international supply chains that left Africa vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Building strong regional partnerships and investing in domestic manufacturing capacity are key pillars of sustainable health systems,” Dr. Oluga said in a recent high-level preparatory meeting. 

A central outcome of the three-day forum will be the official launch of Kenya’s Local Manufacturing Strategy for Health Products, signifying an actionable commitment toward producing essential medicines, vaccines and medical supplies within the region. This strategy positions Kenya as a potential hub for pharmaceutical and health product manufacturing and a catalyst for wider regional self-reliance. 

A Regional Shield Against Biological Threats

The summit builds on the success of the inaugural EARGHSS held in 2025 and aligns with broader continental strategies, including the Africa CDC’s New Public Health Order, which emphasises local production, coordinated responses and sustainable health security systems. Over the course of the event, delegates will engage in high-level dialogues, workshops and plenary sessions focused on collaboration, manufacturing and sustainable financing. 

Institutions participating in the preparatory process include the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, Kenya Vision 2030 Secretariat, the Kenya BioVax Institute, and the Directorate of Health Sector Coordination, among others. 

Country and Continental Imperatives

Eastern Africa continues to contend with biological threats such as cholera outbreaks and emerging zoonotic diseases. By harmonising regulatory frameworks, sharing technical expertise and committing to local production, the region aims to establish a biological shield capable of withstanding future public health emergencies without overdependence on external donors or supply chains. 

For East African citizens, the promise of locally manufactured health products could translate into more affordable, accessible medicines and vaccines produced closer to home — a tangible outcome of a summit anchored in action rather than rhetoric. 

The EARGHSS 2026 gathering underscores a pivotal moment in African health diplomacy: one where regional sovereignty, innovation and collaboration align to shape a more resilient health security landscape for the continent.