President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against what he refers to as efforts to protect global health institutions from significant reforms, asserting that the world cannot “prioritize institutional comfort over human survival” at a time when numerous countries remain susceptible to health crises.
During his address at the 79th World Health Assembly on Monday, May 18, President Mahama stated that proposals aimed at reforming the global health framework would become irrelevant if they are intended to safeguard existing systems rather than tackle the systemic weaknesses revealed by recent global health emergencies.
He indicated that Ghana, which co-chaired the working group for the Lusaka Agenda, endorses initiatives to reform global health systems. However, he expressed apprehension regarding signs that some draft resolutions might obstruct recommendations that could result in significant institutional changes.
The President of Ghana contended that any reform initiative that shies away from challenging yet essential decisions would be tantamount to “merely performing a ritual.”
“Do not allow the sight of those consuming roasted maize to compel you to cook your maize seeds,” he remarked, emphasizing that reforms should concentrate on outcomes that safeguard lives rather than protect bureaucratic frameworks.
President Mahama also utilized the occasion to advocate for what he termed “health sovereignty” for African nations, clarifying that sovereignty in healthcare should entail the practical capacity of countries to finance essential services, regulate quality standards, produce medicines locally, and effectively manage their own health data.
He pointed out that Africa’s ongoing reliance on imported vaccines and medical supplies renders the continent vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and unequal access during health crises.
He asserted that a continent that bears nearly 25% of the global disease burden while generating less than 1% of the world’s vaccines “is not sovereign; it is vulnerable.”
The President emphasized the increasing administrative load faced by health officials in developing nations, contending that ministers in the Global South are now dedicating more time to the preparation of donor reports than to the enhancement of primary healthcare systems.
He advocated for a global health financing and governance framework that empowers countries to have more authority over their health priorities, while also guaranteeing sustainable and locally driven solutions.
