The key message underlined by the participants was that health is the central political focus of both continents in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This creates space for a strengthened Africa-Europe partnership in the field of health and at the same time for the necessary public health reforms.

State Secretary Raščan, who also acts as Minister of Development Cooperation, emphasised that human development will be one of the core priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, with global health playing an important role.

The launch of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency in development cooperation and humanitarian aid will be a high-level event entitled A roadmap to a healthy and sustainable future – Health and water at the core of the EU-Africa partnership. The event will be dedicated to water and health and will take place virtually on 9 July 2021.

State Secretary Raščan said that it is imperative to strengthen the Africa-Europe partnership in the field of health, as this is the only way to achieve sustainable development of both continents. Overcoming the pandemic requires both solidarity, especially in terms of access to vaccines, and strengthening the resilience of societies.