President John Dramani Mahama has intensified calls for greater health self-reliance in Africa during high-level discussions with global health leaders in Accra.
The President met with UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, on Tuesday to discuss strategies for strengthening public health systems across the continent.
The discussions focused on the Accra Reset and President Mahama’s vision of an Africa capable of producing its own vaccines, building resilient health systems and reducing its dependence on external aid.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Mahama also highlighted progress made under Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care programme.
The initiative is providing Ghanaians with access to free basic healthcare at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics without the need for an insurance card.
The programme forms part of Ghana’s efforts to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Madam Byanyima commended President Mahama’s leadership in advancing the agenda of health sovereignty for Ghana, Africa and the Global South.
The engagement comes as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, bringing together African leaders to deliberate on strategies aimed at achieving greater equity, justice and improved health outcomes across the continent.
The discussions are expected to contribute to broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s health systems and promote greater local capacity in healthcare production and delivery.
