President John Dramani Mahama is set to welcome African leaders to Accra for the AU Extraordinary Summit on Universal Health Coverage, a high-level gathering expected to shape the continent's health agenda ahead of 2030.
The two-day summit, scheduled for July 21 and 22, will focus on advancing equitable healthcare while accelerating efforts to end AIDS and tuberculosis, improve maternal health, and tackle the growing burden of non-communicable and neglected tropical diseases across Africa.
Held under the theme, "Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa," the meeting will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers responsible for health, finance and foreign affairs, representatives of the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and private sector stakeholders.
Two Days of Deliberations
The summit will begin on July 21 with a meeting of technical experts from member states. Senior officials from ministries responsible for health, finance and economic planning will review policy proposals and prepare recommendations for consideration by ministers and Heads of State.
Attention will then shift to the African Union Assembly on July 22, where leaders are expected to deliberate on major health priorities and adopt a declaration aimed at accelerating implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.
The decisions reached are expected to guide the continent's collective response to some of its most pressing public health challenges.
Ghana Showcases Health Sector Reforms
According to the Presidency, Ghana's selection as host reflects the country's commitment to expanding equitable access to healthcare and strengthening public health systems.
The government highlighted several flagship initiatives introduced under President Mahama's administration, including the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme to expand access to essential health services, and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, to support Universal Health Coverage.
The administration has also prioritised investments in health infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness and local pharmaceutical manufacturing as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's healthcare system.
Maternal Health to Receive Special Attention
An important side event of the summit will focus on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent survival. The initiative will be led by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in her capacity as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, working in partnership with the Accra Reset initiative.
The Presidency described the gathering as an opportunity for African leaders to unite around practical, people-centred solutions that improve health outcomes across the continent.
"President Mahama is proud to have Ghana host this important continental dialogue, and we urge all stakeholders to work towards practical, people-centred solutions for the health and wellbeing of all Africans," a statement signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said.
The Government of Ghana also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the African Union and member states to advance the shared goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage and building more resilient health systems across Africa.
READ ALSO: New GIPC Act Removes Minimum Capital Requirement for Most Foreign Investors
