Strong Health Systems Vital to Africa’s Independence – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to treat health as a strategic investment rather than a cost, warning that the continent’s sovereignty depends on robust health systems.

Speaking at a high-level Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) meeting in New York on Monday, the Ghanaian leader said Africa’s economic productivity and independence hinge on sustained investment in health.

“Health is not a cost. It is the engine of productivity and the foundation of sovereignty,” he stated.

The meeting, themed “Securing Africa’s Health Sovereignty: Political Leadership for Sustainable Health Financing, Local Manufacturing, and Pandemic Preparedness,” brought together heads of state and government to discuss lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies for future resilience.

President Mahama’s remarks align with Africa’s push to expand local vaccine production, secure sustainable health financing, and strengthen pandemic preparedness to avoid dependence on external aid during global health crises.

On Tuesday, Mahama will continue the dialogue by hosting a UNGA side event titled “The Accra Reset: Reimagining Global Governance for Health and Development,” where global partners and policymakers will explore new frameworks for international health cooperation.

His call reinforces growing demands for Africa to take ownership of its health security to ensure the continent is better equipped when the next pandemic emerges.