Mahama calls for shift in Africa’s approach to healthcare

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in the way Africa approaches healthcare, urging governments to view the sector as an investment opportunity and driver of economic growth rather than simply a budgetary cost.

Speaking at the Health Plenary of the Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, President Mahama stressed the need for increased investment in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, regional health value chains and innovation to strengthen Africa’s health sovereignty.

He said building stronger domestic health industries could help African countries reduce their dependence on imported medicines and vaccines while creating high-value employment opportunities across the continent.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s Reset agenda, including efforts to expand the National Health Insurance Scheme, implement Free Primary Health Care, establish the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and strengthen domestic capacity to produce essential health products.

He argued that Africa’s reliance on external sources for critical medicines and health supplies leaves the continent vulnerable to disruptions in global markets and supply chains.

The President therefore called for stronger collaboration among governments, financial institutions, regulators and industrial leaders to develop resilient health industries capable of meeting the continent’s growing healthcare needs.

He said investments in healthcare should be viewed not only as measures to improve public health but also as opportunities to promote industrialisation, innovation, job creation and economic resilience.

President Mahama urged African countries to pursue policies that would strengthen local production and regional cooperation, saying a more self-reliant health sector was essential to securing the continent’s health and economic future.