The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made strides towards developing sustainable self-reliance in the production of medicines on the African continent.

These sentiments were shared by Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, who said that with the challenge of non-availability of essential drugs, compounded by drastic disruptions in the global health landscape, it's clear that expanding national and regional production of medicines is a solution to epidemic and pandemic preparedness and readiness.

The ongoing 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa is no ordinary conference.

It appears to be a game-changer for Africa, even though participants are drawn from all over the world.

For the WHO regional office for Africa, there's steady progress in some countries within the continent.

Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Rwanda have already reached maturity level 3, a milestone that is closer to self-reliance.

The host, President Hakainde Hichilema, has urged Africans to refrain from superstition if this dream is to be realised.

The Regional Committee is the WHO's decision-making body in the region, convening once a year to discuss and endorse policies, activities, and financial plans aimed at improving the health of the people of Africa.