Health Laboratories Are an Investment, Not an Expenditure — PS Dr. Diana Atwine Urges African Nations

11/11/2025: Adis Ababa- Ethiopia

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, has called on African countries to view health laboratories and the broader health sector as investments rather than expenditures. She made this passionate appeal today in Addis Ababa while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Annual Africa Union CDC Laboratory Symposium.

As keynote speaker at this premier gathering bringing together African Union Ministers of Health, AU CDC experts, development partners, laboratory directors, scientists, and policy makers from around the world—Dr. Atwine challenged African leaders to strategically increase local funding for health laboratories and health systems to ensure sustainable health security on the continent.

The three-day symposium, running from November 11th to 13th, 2025, at the Adwa Memorial Convention Centre in Addis Ababa, is themed “Resilience in Diagnostics and Genomics for Public Health Security in a Shifting Funding Landscape.”

Dr. Atwine emphasised that the survival of the African population, which continues to face the world’s heaviest disease burden, depends on strategic investment in robust laboratory systems and resilient health infrastructure.

Drawing from Uganda’s experience, she urged AU Member States to transform the ongoing reduction in external donor assistance into an opportunity to build local capacity, enhance health and biological sovereignty, and improve efficiency.

Her address drew resounding applause for outlining bold, practical approaches for strengthening Africa’s health systems through integration, increased domestic funding, expansion of local manufacturing, and stronger public-private partnerships.

Dr. Atwine excited delegates with Uganda’s “Build Uganda, Buy Uganda (BUBU)” policy, proposing that the African Union adopt a continental version — the “Build Africa, Buy Africa (BABA)” strategy — to drive regional self-reliance in health innovations and commodities.

She was accompanied by Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, and Dr. Susan Nabadda, Commissioner of National Health Laboratories and President of the Africa Lab Directors Forum.

The opening session also featured addresses from Dr. Dereje Duguma, Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Health; representatives from Africa CDC, China, the European Union, and the Global Fund.