Ambassador Eichhorst's Speech at the Global Private Sector Engagement Forum 2026

Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers,

Distinguished representatives of government, industry, development partners, academia, and civil society,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you today for this important event focused on how to promote stronger partnership between governments, private sector and development partners and to strengthen sustainable health product manufacturing ecosystems in Africa, a key element to ensure stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable health systems.

Let me begin by thanking our hosts and organisers for bringing together such a distinguished group of stakeholders. Your presence here reflects a common understanding: that access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable medicines is not only a public health priority, but also a strategic investment in development, economic resilience, and human dignity.

That is why the European Union together with 7 EU Countries is proud to stand with its partners in advancing these goals. We are committed in supporting African partners to create the conditions for healthier societies, stronger institutions, skilled jobs, and greater preparedness for future health crises.

The lessons of recent years have been clear. The COVID-19 pandemic and now the conflict in Middle East have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and highlighted the risks of excessive dependence on limited sources of production. It showed us that regional and local manufacturing matter for security of supply and for equitable access. And we see this again today with the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

And these are just concrete examples. Across different health security challenges – from emerging infectious diseases to antimicrobial resistance and disruptions in global supply chains – we have learned the same fundamental truth: no one is safe until everyone is safe. 

Europe and Africa are in this together, because pathogens don’t know about borders, geopolitical tensions or political cycles. 

And this philosophy is also reflected in the European Union’s broader commitment under the Global Gateway strategy to support sustainable and high-quality investments with lasting impact, being Health a central pillar of this approach. 

The EU strongly believes in tackling health security from a collaborative and partnership perspective, rooted in mutual interest, mutual learning and mutual benefit.

It was in this context President von der Leyen announced in her last State of the Union speech in September 2025, the Global Health Resilience Initiative (GHRI).

The GHRI was adopted on 13 May this year and sets out the EU vision on how to address gaps in global health resilience. It draws on proven solutions from the EU healthcare model that can be shared with partner countries where interests meet, such as commitment to universal health coverage and the delivery of primary health care, a cooperative research and innovation environment and local manufacturing agenda. Exactly the topics you will explore in depth shortly.

The GHRI puts forward 5 priorities: 

1) more effective global health architecture,

2) country-let health systems strengthening,

3) prevention, preparedness and response to health crises,

4) diversify supply chains and support to local manufacturing of key health products,

5) countering dis/misinformation and FIMI and foster trust in science.  These priorities will translate into concrete actions. 

A good example is what we have been doing as Team Europe under the Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa or MAV+ initiative.

Through this initiative the European Union together with 7 European countries have mobilised more than EUR 2 billion to support the African Union Agenda of producing 60% of vaccines in African by 2040.

But strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing is not something that can be achieved by infrastructure alone. It requires a comprehensive ecosystem. It requires sound policy frameworks, predictable regulation, investment in skills, research and development, technology transfer, quality assurance, and market confidence. It requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, between manufacturers and regulators, and between national authorities and international partners.

This is precisely why the European Union’s engagement through MAV+ is so important. Through this support, the EU is helping to foster an enabling environment for pharmaceutical production that meets international standards and serves public health needs. 

Our objective is clear: to contribute to building resilient health system by bringing together the capacities of both public and private entities from both continents. 

We believe that only by doing so, we will be able to build sovereign and resilient health systems for all.

Success depends on leadership and partnerships. Governments must provide leadership and clear policy direction. Regulatory authorities must continue to build strong and credible systems.

The private sector must bring entrepreneurship, capital, and innovation. Academic and training institutions must equip the next generation with the skills required for a modern pharmaceutical industry. 

And development partners must work in coordination, guided by national priorities and long-term sustainability. 

The European Union is committed to being such a partner.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today’s event is an opportunity not only to take stock of progress, but also to look ahead. Let us use this moment to strengthen cooperation, to identify practical solutions, and to build momentum for the next phase of this important work. Let us continue to focus on quality, sustainability, inclusiveness and access.

The European Union is here to stay and remain a trusted partner. 

I thank all those who are contributing to this effort, and I wish you a productive and successful event.

Thank you very much.