President John Dramani Mahama has urged for enhanced global collaboration and fair access to resources, asserting that a healthy and prosperous Africa does not pose a threat but instead serves as a beneficial force for worldwide advancement.
Speaking as the co-chair of the High-Level segment of the One Health Summit in Lyon on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, he emphasized the inequalities in global health readiness and resource distribution.
“Unfortunately, as I address you today, the nations that are most vulnerable possess the least resources to manage their situations. This situation must be rectified,” he remarked.
He emphasized that improving health conditions on the continent would be advantageous for the entire globe.
“The world must confront the harsh and undeniable truth that a healthy and flourishing Africa is not a threat to anyone. It will serve as a constructive force for global advancement,” President Mahama stated.
He additionally called for more equitable access to essential resources, such as funding, technology, and innovation, to bolster health systems in at-risk areas.
“We must therefore guarantee equitable access to funding, technology, data, and innovation. We need to improve research and knowledge sharing. We must assist nations in developing resilient systems to effectively detect, prevent, and respond to health challenges,” he continued.
In addressing concerns regarding the speed of global initiatives, President Mahama highlighted the necessity for stronger political commitment to facilitate reforms.
“While we have engaged in discussions, we have been sluggish in establishing the required infrastructure for implementation. Let us cultivate the political will to unify our fragmented regulatory framework and let Lyon mark a pivotal moment,” he remarked.
The One Health Summit convenes global leaders, policymakers, and health specialists to tackle interconnected health issues, including disease prevention, environmental hazards, and global health security.
