Amref Flying Doctors: Amplifying African Voices in Global Health Through the Global Health Hub
For decades, Amref Flying Doctors—now transitioning to Amref Health Africa—has been a force in advancing health systems and solutions across Africa. With its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa is the largest African-led health development organization. Its Dutch branch, established over fifty years ago, focuses on fundraising, advocacy, and supporting critical health programs. As Michel Luna Sanjuan, representative for Amref in the Global Health Hub, explains, the organization’s ethos is: “We aim to transform health systems in Africa by bringing local expertise and leadership to the forefront of global health.”
Amref’s journey began with flying medical care to remote regions of Africa. Its mission has grown far beyond. Today, the organisation is embedded in community-driven health solutions, addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, like pandemic preparedness, maternal health, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). “Global health is interconnected,” Luna Sanjuan emphasizes. “Africa is where many global health challenges manifest and where the most innovative solutions emerge. By amplifying African voices and leadership, we can bring valuable insights to the global stage.”
Amref Flying Doctors in the Global Health Hub
The Global Health Hub provides a platform for Amref’s vision. Luna Sanjuan explains that the Hub is a space for connecting civil society organisations, knowledge institutions, the private sector and government: “Too often, organisations work in silos, missing the power of collaboration. The Hub can break those barriers and create a place where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and collective action becomes greater than the sum of its parts.” For Amref, the Hub is important in ensuring that African priorities and expertise are central to the global health conversation. “We need a two-way exchange of knowledge and innovation,” Luna Sanjuan stresses. “It’s not about solutions flowing from the North to the South—it’s about mutual respect and learning. The Hub gives us the chance to bring African voices into the room, not just as participants but as central players in shaping the agenda.”
Amref has its commitment to health system transformation grounded in its belief in community-driven solutions. “In many parts of Africa, health systems are not centralized, which forces innovation at the community level,” Luna Sanjuan explains. “These solutions are not just relevant to Africa; they hold lessons for the entire world, especially in areas like pandemic response and climate-related health challenges.” The Global Health Hub also aligns with Amref’s advocacy goals. Luna Sanjuan notes: “We hope that the Hub can evolve into a powerful connector that drives action and creates tangible results. It’s not just about conversations; it’s about turning those conversations into impact.”
Luna Sanjuan acknowledges that the Hub is still in its formative stages. “There’s a lot of groundwork being done, but the success of the Hub will depend on its ability to add value and drive action. For Amref, the Hub represents an opportunity to ensure African priorities are not only heard but acted upon. The Hub is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about building a global community that works together to create lasting change.”