The 'decolonization of global health' agenda in Africa: harnessing synergies with the continent's strategic aspirations

Abstract

In 2013, Africa adopted a 50-year strategic framework, Agenda 2063,under the vision ‘to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena’1, p.2. The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development emphasizes self-sustainability across economic, social and environmental dimensions under the mantra of ‘leaving no one behind’.2 On the other hand, the decolonization of the global health agenda invites reflection on how contextual realities in Africa (and the world) are shaped and perpetuated by historical legacies and ongoing influences of colonialism.3 There are obvious overlaps among these three development agendas, which beg the question of how synergies can be cultivated across Africa. How can we, as a global community collaborate to advance these aspirations fairly?