In a landmark move to reshape the future of global health, Accra will host the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, a pivotal gathering of African heads of state, policymakers, and global health leaders. Convened by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the summit aims to address critical flaws in the current global health governance framework and champion a new era of health sovereignty on the continent.
The summit comes at a crucial time. While significant progress has been made in global health—including a 50% reduction in child mortality since 1990 and a 40% decrease in maternal deaths since 2000—these gains are under threat. Geopolitical shifts, declining donor funding, and emerging health crises have exposed the weaknesses of a global health system designed for a different era.
President Mahama’s initiative seeks to push for a more equitable system where African nations take greater ownership and leadership in their health governance. As he stated, “Africa must take charge of its health destiny—not in isolation, but through determined, coordinated action. This Summit is our moment to lead not only in financing our systems but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health.”
The summit is expected to deliver several key outcomes, collectively known as The Accra Initiatives. These action-oriented plans will establish a new roadmap for global health governance that prioritizes national needs. Key deliverables include:
- The Accra Compact: A formal document articulating Africa’s vision for health sovereignty and a more equitable global health order.
- A Presidential High-Level Panel: The creation of a panel to design a roadmap for a new global health governance architecture.
- The SUSTAIN Initiative: A new program to promote country-led, investment-driven health systems funded by domestic resources, private sector engagement, and philanthropic partnerships.
This gathering builds on existing efforts by leaders like Rwandan President Paul Kagame to improve continental health financing and coordination. It also draws inspiration from President Mahama’s leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, where he demonstrated Africa’s capacity for unified crisis response.
The summit highlights the urgent need for a reformed global health system that better reflects today’s political, economic, and demographic realities, ensuring that Africa’s voice and leadership play a central role in shaping its own health future.