ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE — The 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA), focused on advancing country-led pathways for strengthening community health programs through civil service systems, has officially opened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The two-day meeting is being chaired by Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia, in his capacity as Chairman of HaPSNA, a continental platform that promotes dialogue, technical exchange and coordinated action on the dual agendas of public service strengthening and health workforce development.
The gathering brings together delegates from the health and public service sectors of nine African countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Benin. Participants are engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening public service systems across the continent and integrating health workers into national civil service frameworks.
In his opening address, Dr. Joekai emphasized that while Africa possesses immense potential, characterized by a youthful population, abundant resources, and growing opportunities for innovation and economic transformation, the continent stands at a critical juncture in its development journey.
“Yet, realizing this potential requires strong institutions, competent public servants, motivated health professionals, and effective governance systems capable of delivering meaningful results for our citizens,” Dr. Joekai stated.
The CSA Director-General and HaPSNA Chairman stressed that Africa can overcome its challenges only through collaboration, shared learning, and the development of collective solutions tailored to the continent’s unique realities.
According to Dr. Joekai, the 3rd High-Level Meeting of HaPSNA presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on achievements, assess challenges, strengthen partnerships, and chart a bold path forward.
“Over the next several days, we will engage in substantive discussions on health workforce development, public sector modernization, leadership and governance, digital innovation, institutional strengthening, and sustainable strategies for improving service delivery outcomes across Africa,” he said.
As Chairman of HaPSNA, Dr. Joekai reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to promoting excellence in public service administration and health sector leadership.
“We remain dedicated to building a strong network of professionals, institutions, and governments working collectively to improve the lives of the people we serve,” he added.
Dr. Joekai also announced that the 4th Sitting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa will be held during the first week of March 2027.
He noted that the next gathering will provide an important opportunity to review the implementation of resolutions adopted in Abidjan, assess progress made by member states, and further strengthen Africa’s collective efforts toward building resilient health systems and high-performing public service institutions.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire for hosting the meeting.
Dr. Getahun urged African nations to leverage the Network to forge stronger partnerships in support of community health workforce programs.
“Community health workers are the foundation of primary healthcare. Yet, in many countries, their remuneration and integration into the civil service system are often delayed,” Dr. Getahun said.
The meeting was officially opened by Madame Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, Minister of State and Minister of Public Service and Modernization of the Administration of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
Minister Ouloto-Lamizana thanked Dr. Joekai and HaPSNA for selecting Côte d’Ivoire as the host country and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to making health and public service key pillars of governance and development across Africa.
The 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA) is expected to conclude with the adoption and signing of a communiqué by all participating member countries, outlining key resolutions and commitments aimed at strengthening health systems and public service institutions across the continent.
