BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), August 19, 2026/APO Group/ —
At a time when Africa faces evolving health challenges, growing demands on health systems and the urgent need for greater self-reliance, leaders from across the continent gathered in Ghana with a shared conviction: the future of Africa’s health must be shaped by African leadership, investment and innovation.
The African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, hosted in Accra, brought together Heads of State, policymakers, health leaders, development partners and global health experts to chart a renewed path towards stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems.
Beyond the discussions and commitments, the Summit served as a powerful reminder that health is not only a measure of human wellbeing but also a foundation for economic growth, social stability and Africa’s sustainable development.
Ghana’s hosting of the high-level gathering underscored the country’s continued leadership in advancing health development on the continent and creating space for dialogue on how Africa can move from dependence to greater ownership of its health solutions.
At the centre of discussions was the need for African countries to strengthen domestic capacity and reduce vulnerabilities in the health sector. Despite significant progress over the years, the continent continues to face challenges, including heavy reliance on imported health commodities. African countries currently import between 70 and 100 per cent of their pharmaceutical products, while approximately 99 per cent of vaccines used on the continent are imported.
Stakeholders emphasised that achieving health security requires more than responding to emergencies — it requires sustained investments in local manufacturing, innovation, health workforce development and resilient health systems that can serve populations now and in the future.
The gathering also reinforced a broader call for countries to view health not only as a social responsibility but as a foundation for economic growth, stability and prosperity. Strong health systems protect communities, support productive populations and strengthen countries’ ability to withstand future shocks.
The Summit was further elevated by the participation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose visit to Ghana reinforced WHO’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions for Africa’s health priorities. The WHO Director-General’s presence at the Summit reinforced the importance of collective leadership in shaping Africa’s health future. From strengthening primary health care and achieving universal health coverage to improving pandemic preparedness and expanding access to essential health products, discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient continent.
During his engagements in Ghana, Dr Tedros met with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, where discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing universal health coverage and ensuring that health remains central to national and continental development agendas.
He also visited the WHO Ghana Country Office, where he engaged staff and acknowledged their dedication and contribution to improving health outcomes in Ghana and beyond. Addressing colleagues, Dr Tedros encouraged staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to WHO’s mission and the people they serve, particularly during a period of evolving global health challenges.
“The strength of WHO is not measured only by the resources we have, but by the integrity, professionalism and commitment of our staff. A lack of funding will not break this Organization, but a lack of integrity will”, Dr Tedros told staff.
He urged colleagues to remain guided by science, facts and evidence, reminding them that WHO’s credibility depends on its ability to provide trusted health advice based on knowledge and impartiality.
“In a world of competing interests and opinions, do not take sides; stand with science, facts and evidence. That is what must guide our work every day”, he added.
Dr Tedros also engaged with the United Nations Country Team in Ghana, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing shared development goals and supporting countries to address complex health challenges.
For Ghana, the Extraordinary Summit on Health represented another milestone in its contribution to shaping Africa’s health agenda. Through continued collaboration with regional and global partners, the country remains committed to advancing solutions that place people at the centre of health development.
As Africa looks towards the future, the message from Accra was clear: achieving a healthier continent will require bold leadership, sustained investment and collective action. The journey towards health sovereignty may be challenging, but with shared commitment, scientific integrity and partnership, Africa can build health systems that are stronger, more equitable and better prepared for generations to come.