Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has stated that Africa is making gains towards achieving health Sovereignty.
According to him, the commitments and investment being made by African countries in Health has been impressive
The Minister made the statement at the opening ceremony of African Union Summit on Health being held in Accra on July 21-22.
“Africa is increasingly demonstrating that, when we lead with determination, innovation and partnership, we can shape our own future. We are no longer merely the world’s cautionary tale. We are becoming proof of what is possible. We are moving towards Health Sovereignty”, the Minister said.
The Juaboso Member of Parliament however stressed that there exists gaps despite the achievements underscoring the need to Stop Maternal deaths and address challenges associated with non-communicable diseases and neglected tropical diseases.
“Today, our continent accounts for almost seventy per cent of all maternal deaths worldwide. Nearly two hundred thousand African women lose their lives every year to causes that modern medicine already knows how to prevent.
That should trouble every one of us.
No woman should have to risk her life simply because she chose to give
Life”, the Minister said.
He revealed that globally, the average UHC service coverage index now stands at seventy-one but across the region, it remains at just forty-four which he said is the lowest in the world.
He added that even when healthcare is available, too many families still face impossible choices such as choosing between buying medicines and paying school fees.
“Between seeking treatment and feeding their children.
Between preserving life today and protecting their future tomorrow.
When healthcare pushes families deeper into poverty, we cannot honestly claim we have achieved universal health coverage. We have simply shifted the burden from illness to debt.
This is precisely why the African Union Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond is so important.
And it is why this Ministerial Session cannot become another conversation that ends in a declaration with no meaningful action.
Our people deserve decisions”
Hon. Akandoh therefore suggested
three commitments that the African governments must prioritize which includes financing our own health, strengthen health Sovereignty and must place primary health care at the very centre of our health systems.
“Universal health coverage will not be achieved through tertiary hospitals alone.
It begins much closer to where people live.
It begins in the community clinic”, the Health Minister emphasize.
The summit which brought together Ministers of Health, foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers in the region, focusses on ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal health and addressing non-communicable and neglected tropical diseases in the region as well as strengthening health systems by 2030.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
