13/03/2026
Today, 13th March 2026, I had the honor of graduating from the Executive Management Training Masterclass in Public Sector Innovation and Transformation for Sustainable Development offered by the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was privileged to be part of the selected Africa Ambassadors in this leadership program.
The course covered a wide range of modules, including politics and policy challenges, African development, effective communication, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and the role of the African Union in promoting regional collaboration. Among all the modules, the session on Current and Future Challenges in Public Health from the African Development Context particularly captured my attention as a public health specialist. This session was facilitated by Prof. Flavia Senkubuge, whose presentation sparked deep reflection and discussion among participants.
The discussion began with a fundamental question: What is public health? As Prof. Senkubuge unpacked this concept, many ambassadors were surprised by the breadth and complexity of the issues involved. Several critical challenges affecting public health in Africa were discussed, including the growing burden of NCDs and MH conditions, weak health systems, limited health financing, climate change and its health impacts, reproductive, adolescent, maternal, child and neonatal health challenges, data and surveillance gaps, and emerging global health threats.
During our discussions, I also raised the issue of rapid population growth and urbanization as an additional public health challenge facing the continent. The class widely agreed that this is indeed a major issue. Rapid population growth and urbanization place enormous pressure on health systems, infrastructure, and essential social services. When cities grow faster than planning and infrastructure development, many people end up living in overcrowded settlements with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and health services. At the same time, urban lifestyles contribute to the increasing burden of NCDs through factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and exposure to pollution. High population density can also accelerate the spread of infectious diseases, as seen during the global outbreak of COVID-19.
Therefore, countries need to monitor and manage population growth to ensure that essential services and resources can meet the needs of their people. If this is not addressed, a range of challenges can arise, including:
1. Overburdened health systems
2. Inadequate housing and sanitation,
3. Increased risk of disease outbreaks,
4. Challenges in reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health,
5. Social and security issues, such as vandalism, sexual violence, gender-based violence, and rising MH problems
6. Economic pressures, including high unemployment and governments struggling to provide basic services and necessities
Addressing population growth and urbanization is therefore critical for sustainable development, public health, and social stability across the continent. The conversations throughout this course highlighted the importance of preparing today for realities that will shape Africa’s future.
WE CAN DO IT!
