President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater African leadership in shaping the continent’s healthcare future, urging countries to strengthen domestic health systems and reduce dependence on external support.
The President made the call during a meeting at the Jubilee House with the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Ms Winnie Byanyima, and the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Dr Joy Phumaphi. The discussions focused on advancing Africa’s health sovereignty, expanding access to quality healthcare and preparing for the upcoming African Union Extraordinary Summit on Universal Health Coverage and Disease Control.
President Mahama stressed that Africa’s ability to respond effectively to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies would depend on the strength of its own institutions and the willingness of governments to invest in sustainable healthcare systems. He noted that while international partnerships remain valuable, African countries must increasingly take ownership of their health priorities through stronger domestic financing and improved coordination.
He said resilient healthcare systems are essential to achieving long-term development, adding that governments across the continent should continue investing in hospitals, disease surveillance, medical research and the training of health professionals.
The meeting also examined strategies for accelerating progress in the fight against malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other communicable diseases that continue to affect millions of people across Africa.
Ms Byanyima commended Ghana’s continued commitment to improving healthcare delivery and described the country’s role in hosting the upcoming continental summit as an opportunity to shape discussions on Africa’s health priorities. She emphasised the importance of sustained political leadership and increased domestic investment in health to ensure that countries can withstand future public health challenges.
Dr Phumaphi highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among African governments, development partners and health institutions to sustain progress in malaria prevention and control. She noted that improving healthcare outcomes would require greater accountability, innovation and investment across the continent.
The meeting comes ahead of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Universal Health Coverage and Disease Control, which Ghana is expected to host in Accra. The summit will bring together Heads of State, policymakers, health experts and development partners to discuss practical measures aimed at strengthening health systems and improving access to essential healthcare services across Africa.
Health experts have consistently argued that Africa’s long-term health security depends on building resilient public health institutions, strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and expanding investment in medical infrastructure. They believe reducing dependence on imported medicines and medical equipment will better position African countries to respond to future health emergencies.
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to promote equitable healthcare, strengthen disease prevention programmes and advance policies that place African countries at the centre of decisions affecting the continent’s health.
BY GBEDEVI DORCAS SELORM