DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 18 -- African countries have been urged to increase domestic financing, strengthen local manufacturing and deepen regional health cooperation to reduce dependence on external support and safeguard the continents health security.

Health Minister Mchengerwa made the call on Tuesday while opening the fourth meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee in Dar es Salaam. Addressing hundreds of participants from about 14 African countries, he stressed that Africa must take greater responsibility for building and sustaining its own health systems.

He said sustainable investment in maternal and child health and primary healthcare was critical to developing resilient systems capable of responding effe...