Africa Healthtech Summit
DATE
SEPTEMBER 30
LOCAL
Kigali, Ruanda
PILLARs
Public Health Infrastructure & Learning Laboratory for AI Readiness
Upcoming convenings
Join upcoming exchanges on the foundations countries need to make AI useful, trusted and actionable for public health.
Past convenings
Explore previous PILLARs events and earlier convenings that shaped the journey toward PILLARs and surfaced the need for stronger AI-ready public health systems.
Digital ID Systems and Public Health in the Age of AI
On August 12, 2026, PILLARs convened a virtual Peer Learning Exchange exploring how countries are designing trusted and inclusive digital ID systems that also advance public health goals. The exchange brought together more than 350 participants from 83 countries, drawing on implementation experiences from Rwanda, Ethiopia, Brazil and Bangladesh, alongside regional perspectives from WHO AFRO and PAHO
PILLARs Inaugural Convening
Vital Strategies launched PILLARs alongside the Global South edition of Foundations & Futures, bringing together ministries, regional bodies, and public health leaders to advance South–South learning on AI-ready public health systems. Held during the World Health Assembly, the event was co-hosted with Africa CDC, PAHO, WHO AFRO and WHO SEARO, with participation from ministries in Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Thailand.
Actionable AI for Public Health Impact
Held during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, this event explored how AI can improve population health when grounded in strong data systems, public governance, digital public infrastructure, evidence standards and community trust.
Foundations and Futures in the AI Era
Held during GDHF 2025 in Nairobi, this convening launched a consultative draft of Foundations & Futures and explored the data systems, governance structures and public institutions needed to move AI from pilots to public health impact.
A cross-regional networks grounded in shared learning and public leadership
PILLARs brings together member states committed to strengthening the public health data, governance, and digital foundations needed for responsible AI adoption.
Become a member
Interested in joining the network? Get in touch to explore participation, partnership, and opportunities for shared learning across regions.