Prof. Marie Coll Seck, President of Galien AFrica Forum
In a gathering that underscores the continent’s commitment to health self-sufficiency, the 8th Galien Africa Forum commenced on October 28, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. This three-day event has brought together a diverse group of over 2,500 participants, including scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and students, all united under the theme: “Rethinking Health Leadership: Preparing a Generation Capable of Defending Africa’s Health Sovereignty in a Technological and Globalized World.”
Despite facing a daunting global disease burden that accounts for 24% of the world’s health issues while only having 3% of the health workforce, Africa is witnessing a burgeoning movement of young advocates striving for the continent’s health sovereignty. Their dedication and innovative solutions are at the forefront of this year’s forum.
One of the highlights of the opening day was an exhibition showcasing groundbreaking ideas from young, innovative African scientists. These participants presented promising technological solutions aimed at solving ongoing health challenges. Notable projects included pitches for Universal Access to Healthcare through Biometrics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Safe Water Hubs, and Integrated Health Systems.
Among these young advocates were two medical students, Samuel Afolabi from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and Lydia Ankomah Obeng from the University of Ghana Medical School. They led a team of ten in presenting their pitch on Universal Access to Healthcare utilizing Biometrics and AI. In an interview with the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), Afolabi emphasized the critical role technology plays in addressing healthcare disparities across the continent.
Samuel Afolabi of Ibadan University (left), Lydia Ankomah Obeng(in white) of University of Ghana MedicalSchool and colleagues at 8th Galien Africa Forum, Dakar
“Many people in Africa lack access to essential data needed for quality healthcare,” he stated. “Some patients spend two to three hours in hospitals for consultations that should ideally last less than half an hour. Others walk several kilometers just to see a doctor.”
The proposed solution from Afolabi and Obeng’s team is an accessible mobile application aimed at bridging these healthcare gaps. “Education and awareness in remote areas are crucial for encouraging app adoption and improving general well-being,” Obeng highlighted. She expressed optimism that, with appropriate support from governments and development partners, their innovation could be expanded throughout Africa.
The need for Africa to take ownership of its health data was a prominent theme at the forum. Prof. Dr. Bamba Gaye, a Research Scientist specializing in Preventive Cardiology at the Institute of Health and Development (ISED) at University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, passionately argued for the importance of feeding AI systems with locally sourced data. “If Africa wants to avoid biased and misrepresentative information, it has to become an active contributor to global health narratives,” he asserted.
Prof. Dr. Bamba Gaye
Under the guidance of Prof. Marie Coll Seck, President of Galien Africa, the inaugural day of the forum attracted numerous high-level dignitaries. In her opening address, Prof. Seck emphasized that Africa is more than just a geographical location; it is a powerhouse of innovation. She urged the scaling up of local production and the promotion of African health products, calling on stakeholders to mobilize resources and expertise that would enable the achievement of genuine health sovereignty.
The ceremony was officially opened by Senegal’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, who called on all participants to view health sovereignty not merely as a slogan, but as a shared responsibility. “Reclaiming autonomy over Africa’s health requires deliberate actions and investments in youth training and technological innovations in healthcare delivery,” he declared.
The Galien forum represents a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing Africa’s health challenges through local innovation and empowerment. It underscores the belief that Africa can and must take its health future into its own hands, guided by the vision and energy of its youth. As the discussions unfold over the next few days, the momentum generated by these young advocates has the propensity of driving a significant change in the health landscape of the continent.
