African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger, self-reliant health systems, with a renewed focus on domestic financing, accountability and innovation at the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra.
Representing Vice President H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, joined Heads of State, Ministers of Health, development partners and civil society leaders at the high-level gathering. Also in attendance was H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and special guest of the summit.
Held under the theme, “Advancing Africa’s Health Agenda through Domestic Financing, Accountability and Strategic Innovation,” the summit focused on accelerating progress towards universal access to quality healthcare while strengthening the continent’s capacity to respond to present and future health challenges.
Addressing participants, the Minister said the summit’s theme reflects a shared vision of an Africa where every citizen—particularly women, mothers and children—has access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare.
The summit identified three immediate priorities for the continent: ending AIDS by 2030, reducing preventable maternal deaths and strengthening resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to public health emergencies.
A central focus of the discussions was the pursuit of health sovereignty, with African leaders advocating greater investment in domestic health financing, expanded local production of medicines and vaccines, stronger regional collaboration and improved accountability in health governance.
Participants noted that reducing dependence on external assistance will enable African countries to build more sustainable and resilient health systems tailored to the continent’s unique needs.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of innovation, technology and strategic partnerships in improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that essential health services reach vulnerable populations.
With leaders from across the continent meeting in Accra, the summit reinforced Africa’s collective resolve to take greater ownership of its health agenda and accelerate progress towards the African Union’s health and development goals.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening health systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes and advancing policies that place the wellbeing of all Africans at the centre of the continent’s development agenda.
