Pretoria: The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) are set to hold a high-level meeting to renew their strategic partnership on health. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 5 November 2025, aims to establish a foundation for deeper cooperation ahead of the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Health Ministers Meeting and the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, on 24 to 25 November 2025.

According to South African Government News Agency, this engagement marks a significant phase in their 25-year partnership. The collaboration’s key outcomes include the procurement and donation of 215,000 vaccine doses to aid the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in combating the mpox outbreak in Africa. Additionally, the effort has enhanced regulatory systems at both continental and national levels, ensuring access to safe and effective medicines and vaccines for all Africans.

In South Africa, the establishment of the mRNA technology transfer hub is set to improve health and health security by enabl
ing sustainable regional production of mRNA-based health products. The strategic meeting, organized by South Africa’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, the European Commission, and the government of Belgium, will bring together key stakeholders from across the continent.

The event expects to gather around 30 delegates from 15 countries, four regional bodies, and 11 continental institutions. According to the media advisory, the day-long discussion will focus on strategic alignment, building consensus on health priorities, and identifying areas of convergence around global health architecture and health financing. Africa and Europe reaffirm their commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage through sustainable, country-led health financing, leveraging Africa’s leadership.

Prominent figures participating in the discussions include Director-General of Africa CDC Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the African Medicines Agency Dr. Mimi Darko, representatives
from the European Commission, and ambassadors from various EU Member States. The event will commence with opening remarks by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi and will be held at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria at 1 pm.