Introduction

The Malabo Declaration, adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), marks a defining milestone in the collective commitment of the 79 OACPS Member States to advance the realization of the right to health.

Paragraph 41 of the Declaration reaffirms the commitment of OACPS Member States to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the full realisation of the right to health. It renews their commitment to multilateralism for health and recognises the central role of the United Nations system, as well as the critical contribution of partners and international organisations. Importantly, the Declaration also recognises the OACPS partnership with the Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI) to advance South–South cooperation and develop a shared vision in global health.

From Commitment to Action

The Malabo Declaration also provides the mandate for OACPS's work to advance the right to health across its Member States and to deliver on this, the OACPS promotes policy dialogue, strengthens health diplomacy and supports collaboration among Member States to address shared health priorities and advance equitable health outcomes.

Working closely with governments, regional institutions and development partners, the OACPS contributes to strengthening national and regional capacity, facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting cooperation that supports resilient and inclusive health systems. Through these efforts, OACPS helps create opportunities for Member States to share experiences, strengthen technical expertise and advance common positions on health issues of regional and global importance.

Recognising that many health challenges extend beyond national borders, OACPS also promotes South–South, North–South and triangular cooperation to encourage mutual learning, technical collaboration and collective action. These partnerships contribute to stronger health systems, more effective health governance and greater solidarity among Member States in advancing the right to health.

Partnerships

Partnerships are important in translating the Malabo commitments into practical action.

The OACPS–CeHDI partnership will support Member States through health diplomacy and collective advocacy, mainstreaming the Right to Health within the wider development agenda, South–South knowledge and capacity exchange, and strategic engagement with global health institutions and partners, particularly those based in Geneva.

It will seek to strengthen the collective voice of OACPS Member States in global health discussions and provide a platform for advancing perspectives and priorities from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

With support from CeHDI, the OACPS Geneva Office will provide an important platform for coordination and engagement with the global health institutions and partners based in Geneva.

This cooperation will complement the work of governments, regional organisations, the United Nations system and other international partners while helping to strengthen the collective voice of OACPS Member States on global health priorities.

Looking Ahead

The Malabo Declaration provides a renewed political commitment to health as an important dimension of people-centred and inclusive development.

Through strengthened cooperation among Member States and strategic partnerships, including with CeHDI, the OACPSwill facilitate South–South learning, strengthen health diplomacy and amplify the collective voice of its 79 Member States in shaping a more equitable, inclusive and effective global health system.