President John Mahama has urged global African leaders to strengthen partnerships and strategic collaborations aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the continent
President Mahama made the call when he opened the ongoing 2-Day WHX Leaders Conference in Accra on Tuesday under the theme: Catalysiing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure
Addressing a gathering of policymakers, innovators, and health experts, President Mahama underscored the critical role of innovation and collaboration in shaping a more resilient and equitable healthcare system for Africa.
“And to our young African innovators, AI developers, tech creators and digital health entrepreneurs, the future of African healthcare will be shaped by your imagination and your ingenuity,” he said.
“We’re building this new health order with you and for you. A healthier Africa will be a more prosperous Africa. A more resilient Africa will strengthen global security, not hurt it. A more innovative Africa will enrich the global health ecosystem.”
He emphasised that Africa has the vision, talent, and determination needed to transform its health sector but must cultivate partnerships that recognise the continent’s rise as essential to global development.
“Africa is not in contest with anyone,” he added.
President Mahama also expressed concern about the capacity of major health facilities in Accra and Kumasi, noting that many lack adequate equipment to diagnose and treat non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes, and heart conditions.
While commending the private sector for advancing access to modern diagnostic and treatment options, he announced that government will channel additional resources through the Mahama Cares policy framework.
As part of this effort, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which has traditionally supported public health institutions, will be extended to private hospitals to equip them with essential medical technologies.
According to him, strengthening public-private collaboration remains central to building a healthcare system capable of meeting Africa’s present and future health challenges.
For his part, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for the need for Africa to prioritize investments into health care.
He argued that if Africa invests massively into health care, the continent will not only lead but compete with the advanced countries.
“By 2050, our continent will be home to 2.5 billion people, the youngest and most dynamic population anywhere in the world. This demographic force is not a burden but a powerful competitive advantage that must be matched with bold reforms and strategic investments.
If we act decisively, Africa will not merely catch up with other regions; Africa will lead. WHX is the catalyst to accelerate that leadership”, Hon. Akandoh stressed.
source:www.senaradioonline.com
