African Leaders Push for Faster Action on Health at AU Summit in Accra

African leaders and health policymakers have gathered in Accra for an African Union Extraordinary Summit aimed at accelerating efforts to end AIDS and tuberculosis, reduce preventable maternal deaths, and build stronger, more resilient health systems across the continent.

The high-level meeting comes at a time when many African countries are still grappling with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside increasing pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.

Discussions are focused on practical, long-term solutions, including expanding local pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthening primary healthcare, and increasing domestic investment in health.

Addressing the summit, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, called for decisive action, stressing that Africa can no longer afford to move at a slow pace in addressing persistent health challenges.

While acknowledging the continent’s progress in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, the Minister pointed out that Africa continues to account for nearly 70 per cent of global maternal deaths, with almost 200,000 women losing their lives each year from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications.

“No woman should have to risk her life simply because she chose to give life,” he said.

Mr Akandoh also drew attention to the significant gaps in universal health coverage across the continent, noting that Africa’s regional coverage remains well below the global average, leaving millions of people vulnerable to financial hardship when seeking medical care.

He urged African governments to prioritise sustainable domestic financing for healthcare, invest in the continent’s capacity to manufacture medicines and vaccines, and strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation of health service delivery.

He emphasised that the success of the summit should ultimately be judged not by the resolutions adopted, but by measurable improvements in people’s lives that include fewer maternal deaths, better control of preventable diseases, and greater financial protection for families accessing healthcare.

Grace Acheampong, ISD