Codeway Expo in Italy
Mattei Plan and Public-private partnerships in global health: a driver to Africa’s socio-economic development and stability
During the the Codeway Expo, Italy’s main platform for international cooperation, in May, Friends Europe organized a round table around the private sector dialogue on Global Health.
The event proved instrumental in advancing Italy’s national interest in global health by framing it as both a diplomatic priority and a strategic investment in international partnerships.
By bringing African leadership, Global Fund governance, and civil society voices directly into parliamentary dialogue, the round table elevated Italy’s role as a credible partner in global health governance and reinforced its commitment to African-led development solutions.
The main Health related NGOs CUAMM and Sant’Egidio both participated in the panel, advocating for Global health financing. The testimonies presented—highlighting measurable results and urgent financing needs—helped reposition the Global Fund as aligned with Italy’s foreign policy goals, including stability, cooperation, and international visibility.
“I wouldn’t be here today without the Global Fund,” said Jovia Mirembe Birungi, born with HIV. Since its creation, the Fund has contributed to a 63% drop in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths in implementing countries.
Zanzibar’s Health Minister highlighted the impact of The Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on maternal and child mortality, stressing that health is key to sustainable development.
Lady Roslyn Morauta reminded us that the Global Fund has saved over 65 million lives, far beyond the fight against the three diseases.
As Italy rolls out its Piano Mattei for Africa, all actors agree: health must remain a strategic priority.
Prof. Stefano Vella, Vice-Chair of Friends Europe in charge of Italy stated: “Investing in health means investing in resilience, stability, and growth.”