Africa CDC and Strathmore University Business School Host the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP)

Last week, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Strathmore University Business School (SBS) launched the on-demand executive leadership short course as part of the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme (MELP), marking a significant step in strengthening Africa’s public health leadership.

The high-level initiative convenes serving Ministers of Health from across the continent and former ministers affiliated with Africa CDC to enhance political and technical leadership, governance, and health diplomacy – all critical components of Africa’s New Public Health Order.

Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General of Africa CDC, delivered keynote remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasizing the Programme’s timeliness: “As Ministers of Health, you sit at the intersection of politics, policy, and public service. Your decisions can shape the health and security of your countries, our continent, and the world.” He described MELP as a solutions-driven platform designed to expand technical knowledge and strengthen the leadership toolkit required to navigate complex political, economic, and social challenges facing health systems.

The four-day programme, which ran from 13 to 16 August 2025 in Nairobi, engaged ministers through immersive modules, case studies, simulations, and peer exchanges with colleagues and global health advisors and experts.

H.E. Amb. Ennio Maes, Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to the African Union, speaking during the official launch of this third cohort, commended the collaborative effort, recognizing Africa CDC, SBS, and the Government of Kenya for creating a platform that fosters innovation and peer learning among Africa’s top health leaders.

Developed as part of Africa CDC’s mandate to strengthen public health institutions in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, MELP addresses the complex challenges facing health ministers – from pandemic threats and climate change to financing transitions and rising public expectations. Since its inception three years ago, the programme has been delivered in multiple sessions across Africa, including in Ethiopia and Zambia, creating a unique platform tailored to the realities of political leadership in health.

The programme aims to fill critical gaps in policy implementation, cross-sectoral collaboration, and accountability while fostering peer learning among serving and former ministers. By equipping leaders with governance, negotiation, and health diplomacy skills, MELP aims to ensure Africa’s health leaders are not only technically capable but politically astute and resilient enough to drive transformative change.

This latest iteration builds on MELP’s growing reputation as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and strategic planning to deliver sustainable health outcomes across Africa. As health systems face unprecedented challenges, the programme represents a strategic investment in developing the leadership needed to build more resilient, equitable health systems for Africa’s future.

About the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM)

The Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) is a leading healthcare research, capacity building, and executive training hub. It designs and delivers world-class academic and executive programs, including specialized training for healthcare leaders, managers, and policymakers. IHM actively secures scholarships and PhD training opportunities while engaging in impactful research projects, such as malaria management strategies and digital health innovations, often in collaboration with global partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Commission. Through research, policy development, and partnerships with universities and donors, IHM addresses critical healthcare challenges, such as health system efficiency and pandemic preparedness, while fostering knowledge exchange via faculty and student mobility programs. Learn more about IHM here

Article by Juliet Hinga