May 9, 2026
UNGA79: Ruto Tells African Leaders To 'Break Free' from Aid Dependence

UNGA79: Ruto Tells African Leaders To ‘Break Free’ from Aid Dependence

At the launch of the Program for Investment and Financing in Africa’s Health (PIFAH) initiative, President William Ruto emphasized the critical need for Africa’s healthcare sector to be self-reliant.

President Ruto spoke at the Summit of the Future in New York on Monday, emphasizing the continent’s historical role in global struggles, particularly during crises like the recent pandemic.

“We stand at a historic moment as nations gather to reflect on our shared future on this planet,” he stated.

“The Pact signed at the Summit recognizes our collective responsibility to break free from historical constraints and offer hope to the next generation.”

He urged African countries to reduce their reliance on foreign aid, especially in critical areas like healthcare.

“The health of our people, the vitality of our youth, and the very foundations of our societies depend on it,” he asserted

He also advocated for the development of homegrown financing models to tackle challenges in health innovation and food security.

Ruto criticized traditional multilateral resource mobilization systems as obsolete and ineffective.

“Our generation’s responsibility is to break free from this cycle and create a new path that empowers us to drive our development,” he declared.

As the African Union’s Champion for Institutional Reform, Ruto promised to look into ways to attract investment in critical social sectors, particularly healthcare.

He emphasised the formation of partnerships aimed at providing every African with an AI-powered Digital Health Wallet, as well as strengthening local biopharma research and manufacturing capabilities for medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.

However, he emphasized that the success of these initiatives is dependent on innovative funding strategies.

“Africa’s rise depends on ensuring our continent has access to capital that can build the health infrastructure we need,” he emphasized.

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President Ruto praised AUDA-NEPAD for its role in developing the PIFAH initiative, which has the potential to unlock significant resources from the private sector.

He reassured attendees that he would continue to support this initiative and expressed hope that other African leaders would follow suit.

“I trust that this gathering will galvanize us to focus on these critical issues and the opportunities that lie ahead for Africa,” he concluded.

Ruto formally launched the PIFAH initiative, marking a significant step toward transforming the continent’s healthcare landscape.

UNGA79: Ruto Tells African Leaders To ‘Break Free’ from Aid Dependence

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