Report By: Ishmael Barfi
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the importance of Africa taking control of its health destiny.
He urged the continent to reduce its reliance on foreign aid and instead invest in local solutions and stronger national health systems.
Speaking at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, Mahama stated that health is not solely a matter of funding; it also involves imagination, leadership, and justice.
He stressed that Africa should no longer be in a passive role but should instead be the author, architect, and advocate of its own health destiny.
Mahama pointed out that the continent’s over-dependence on external aid has resulted in a lack of ownership and control over health policies and systems.
“We must take charge of our health destiny and invest in sustainable solutions that benefit our people,” he said.
He called for a redesign of the global health architecture to better reflect African realities and priorities, noting that the current system is outdated and does not adequately address the needs of African countries.
“The world has changed, but global health governance has not kept pace,” Mahama remarked.
He urged African finance ministers to treat health as a capital investment rather than a cost, citing data from the World Health Organization that shows every dollar invested in health can yield up to four dollars in productivity.
To realize this vision, Mahama announced several initiatives, including:
– The establishment of a task force aimed at redesigning outdated systems and promoting African-led health solutions.
– An initiative to align national budgets with health priorities and attract investment in health systems.
– A sovereign health innovation fund to address chronic diseases and promote health innovation.
Mahama’s call to action underscores the need for Africa to take ownership of its health destiny and invest in sustainable solutions.
By prioritizing health as a key driver of productivity and economic growth, Africa can build stronger, more resilient health systems that benefit all its citizens.
The initiatives announced by Mahama provide a roadmap for achieving this vision and promoting health sovereignty in Africa.
Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
On his part, the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged African leaders to take ownership of their people’s health and prioritize it above all else.
Akandoh emphasized that health sovereignty begins with honesty and offers African leaders the courage to measure themselves by their own standards.
“We must take charge of our health destiny and ensure that our people’s health is our top priority,” Akandoh said adding “He who has help has hope, and he who has hope has everything.
Let’s commit to ensuring we live in dignity that does not depend on the generosity of others,” he added.
These leaders converged to discuss ways of strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty and promoting self-reliance in health matters.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
