This is a guest post written by Dr. Wellington Chikuni, Assistant National Oral Health Coordinator, Ministry of Health, Malawi. Wellington is also a Dental Surgeon in the Dental Department at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre and a part-time Lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.

The Seventy-fifth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka, Zambia, from 25–27 August 2025.

It brought together leaders and experts from across the continent to shape Africa’s health future. 

I was privileged to attend the conference and to have opportunity to speak about the recent developments in Malawi relating to oral health improvement and the plans for the future.

Here’s what stood out for Malawi, especially in oral health and NCDs.

Opening Ceremony: A Historic Start

The conference was officially opened by His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. He called for bold, collective action to strengthen health systems across Africa. Two health champions were celebrated: Dr. Jean Kaseya (Africa CDC) and Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus (WHO Director-General), both awarded the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 3rd Division.

Big Themes That Stood Out

Several key issues defined the RC75 conversations:

• Local Vaccine Production: Momentum for African pharmaceutical sovereignty.

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Renewed commitment to Health for All by 2030.

• Rehabilitation Strategy (2025–2035): Ensuring dignity and improved care for people with disabilities.

• Women, Children, and Adolescents: Maternal mortality down by 40% since 2000.

• Polio Eradication: Continued pledge to eliminate all forms of polio.

Oral Health Gets a Spotlight

For Malawi, one of the most exciting outcomes was the adoption of the Regional Oral Health Framework, aligning with the Global Oral Health Action Plan. Oral health was firmly placed within the broader NCD agenda.

Key messages included:
• Oral diseases affect nearly half of the world’s population, yet funding remains minimal.
• Oral health must be integrated into primary care and NCD programs.
• School-based prevention programs and professional capacity building are crucial.

For Malawi, this framework strengthens efforts of the Multisectoral Child Oral Health Task Force which is currently working to establish a National Child Oral Health Improvement Plan for Malawi and which links oral health with nutrition, the WASH agenda and other NCDs.

Side Conversations that Matter

On the sidelines I met with:

Dr. Gabriel Mpundu – President of the Zambia Dental Association:

I was also privileged to meet Dr Yuka Makino, WHO AFRO Technical Officer for Oral Health and Dr Mutinta  Muchanga– Eastern Africa Regional Chair, International Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR):

Together we explored ways to strengthen collaboration between the IADR, the Zambia Dental Association and  Dental Association of Malawi as well as the upcoming Malawi Odontological Society. 

We agreed to:

• Launch joint research and training programs.

• Build a regional oral health platform.

• Host annual regional conferences rotating across East & Southern Africa.

The message was clear: together, we can reshape oral health in Africa

It was a particular pleasure to meet with Dr Yuka Makino, Technical Officer from the Noncommunicable Disease Management Team, WHO Africa Region. She applauded Malawi’s progress in oral health, encouraged the continued integration of oral health within NCD strategies, and recognized Malawi as one positive example for the region, highlighting the graduation of Malawi’s first home grown dentists, launching of the first National Oral Health Policy and the development of the associated implementation plan.

RC75 wasn’t only about policies. Delegates joined the “Walk the Talk” fitness event, a 6 km walk promoting healthy living and NCD prevention.

The Malawi team donned the T-shirts and enjoyed joining in the walk with all the other delegates.

Zambia also hosted a vibrant cultural gala night, with traditional dance, music, and cuisine showcasing the nation’s rich heritage.

Looking Ahead

For Malawi, RC75 was a milestone. The new WHO Oral Health Framework and emerging regional partnerships are opportunities to reshape oral health for future generations. Africa’s health journey is about solidarity – and together we can build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient continent.