The Health-Peace Equation. Why Equity Starts with Leadership

In this episode of Voices in African Health, host Sharon Quntai welcomes Semiha Abdulmelik, an expert in Gender, Security, and Peacebuilding at the Open Society Foundation.

They discuss the critical links between peace, governance, and health outcomes across Africa. Semiha provides a deep analysis of how inclusive leadership, especially women’s leadership, and the active engagement of faith and community organizations contribute to more equitable health systems.

The conversation also addresses the challenges governments and institutions face in building resilient health systems during crises and outlines strategic approaches to redesign these systems for justice and inclusion.

This episode offers valuable insights for professionals and policymakers committed to advancing health equity and peace across Africa.