Pretoria: The Department of Health is set to convene the inaugural virtual Group of 20 (G20) Health Working Group meeting on Friday, 24 January 2025. This event marks a key component of the country’s activities under its G20 Presidency for 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting aims to introduce South Africa’s G20 Health Working Group priorities to Member States and other stakeholders, seeking their input and engagement. The Health Working Group is tasked with enhancing global health through tackling health challenges, fortifying health systems, and ensuring equitable access to health services.
The meeting will center around the theme: ‘Accelerate Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage,’ and will see participation from G20 Member States, invited non-Member States, and international organizations. The agenda includes discussions on strengthening primary healthcare as a route to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Pandemic Prevention Preparedness and Response, and bolstering the health and care workforce.
Additional focus areas for the leaders include addressing non-communicable diseases and leveraging science and innovation for health and economic growth. This meeting is the first in a series of planned engagements, both virtual and in-person, scheduled throughout the year across South Africa. The outcomes from these meetings will contribute to the G20 Health Ministers’ discussions, ultimately leading to a G20 Health Working Group declaration.
South Africa commenced its G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, making it the first African nation to hold this position.