The 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa is taking place in Addis Ababa, bringing together health ministers, senior government officials, WHO leaders and other health stakeholders to discuss Africa’s health priorities, strategies and future direction.

As part of the meeting, the participants walked the streets of Addis Ababa in a program dubbed “Walk the Talk” to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles —activities vital in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The walk on the wide and comfortable pedestrian routes started from the Adwa Victory Memorial and finished at the Meskel Square.

Ethiopian Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, health ministers from across Africa, senior government officials, WHO leaders, Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Commander Sileshi Sihin, and prominent Ethiopian athletes joined in the fun.

By joining the walk, the health leaders sought to demonstrate in practice the importance of regular physical activity in preventing NCDs, which are among the major health challenges facing populations across Africa, organizers said.

The initiative also underscores the need to translate health policy commitments into practical action and encourage healthier lifestyles among African communities.

The “Walk the Talk” initiative forms part of a broader effort to turn discussions on health into visible action, while using physical activity as a platform to raise awareness about disease prevention and healthy living.

Slated for August 24 – 28, the 76th WHO Regional Committee for Africa meeting will deliberate on the continent’s key health challenges, priorities and strategies, and chart the way forward for strengthening health systems and improving public health across the region.

The meeting will discuss the health situation in African countries, major health challenges and ways to improve health services.

Member states will also discuss future health programs and ways to strengthen cooperation between African countries and international organizations.

The WHO Regional Committee for Africa meets annually with member states to coordinate and make decisions on health issues.

The high-level meeting will bring together Ministers of Health and senior officials from the 47 Member States of the WHO African Region, alongside global health leaders, development partners, donors, and representatives from WHO headquarters, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, and WHO country offices.

More than 600 delegates are expected to participate in what is the Region's highest annual forum for health governance and policymaking.

As the governing body of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the Regional Committee meets annually to review progress on regional health priorities, adopt policies and strategies, provide oversight of WHO's work in the Region, and set the strategic direction for improving health across Africa.