By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
Liberia’s Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., is chairing a major continental gathering of public service and health sector leaders aimed at addressing some of Africa’s most pressing governance and healthcare challenges.
The 3rd High-Level Meeting of the Health and Public Service Network of Africa (HaPSNA), currently underway in Abidjan, has brought together delegates from nine African countries to discuss strategies for strengthening health systems, improving public sector performance, and enhancing service delivery across the continent.
Serving as Chairman of HaPSNA, Dr. Joekai opened the two-day summit by emphasizing the need for stronger institutions, effective governance, and a well-supported health workforce to drive Africa’s development agenda.
He noted that while Africa possesses significant advantages, including a youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing opportunities for innovation, sustainable progress depends largely on the capacity of governments to deliver quality services to their citizens.
“Realizing this potential requires strong institutions, competent public servants, motivated health professionals, and effective governance systems capable of delivering meaningful results for our citizens,” Dr. Joekai told delegates.
Participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and the Central African Republic are examining ways to better integrate community health workers into national civil service structures while strengthening accountability and efficiency within government institutions.
The discussions come at a time when many African countries continue to face challenges related to health workforce shortages, limited resources, and growing public demand for improved service delivery.
Dr. Joekai stressed that collaboration among African nations remains essential to overcoming these challenges. He called on member states to deepen partnerships, share best practices, and pursue innovative approaches that respond to the continent’s unique needs.
The summit is focusing on several key areas, including health workforce development, leadership and governance, public sector modernization, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening.
Also addressing the gathering was Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), who urged governments to strengthen support for community health workers.
He highlighted concerns that many frontline health workers continue to face delays in compensation and remain inadequately integrated into national civil service systems despite their critical role in delivering primary healthcare services.
The meeting was officially opened by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of State and Minister of Public Service and Modernization of the Administration, Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, who reaffirmed her country’s commitment to advancing public service reforms and strengthening health systems across Africa.
Delegates are expected to conclude the meeting with the adoption of a communiqué outlining resolutions and commitments aimed at improving health governance and public sector performance throughout the continent.
Dr. Joekai also announced that the fourth sitting of HaPSNA will take place in March 2027, where member states will review progress made on commitments adopted in Abidjan and assess further opportunities for cooperation.
The summit is being viewed as an important platform for African governments seeking practical solutions to longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery and public administration, while reinforcing the role of strong institutions in achieving sustainable development.
