President John Dramani Mahama is set to address the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva today, where he is expected to champion health sovereignty for countries in the Global South amid growing concerns over reductions in international donor funding.
The World Health Assembly, the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization, brings together global leaders to shape international health priorities, approve budgets, and coordinate responses to global public health emergencies.
A key focus of President Mahama’s address will be the “Accra Reset Initiative,” an agenda he is promoting to encourage developing nations to build stronger and more self-reliant healthcare systems. The President is expected to urge global leaders to rethink the position of the Global South within the international health financing architecture.
According to information released ahead of the Assembly, Mr Mahama’s speech will highlight the urgent need for countries to reduce overdependence on donor support and strengthen domestic healthcare financing and delivery systems.
Beyond his address, the President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with international partners and host a side event under the theme, “Geneva Clarion Call,” as part of efforts to advance discussions around global health equity and sustainability.
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President Mahama was received on arrival in Geneva by the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Nane Annan.
During his arrival, the President toured the Kofi Annan Lounge at the airport, a facility dedicated to the memory of the late former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, by the Swiss government.
Ghana is also expected to gain significant attention during the Assembly, with over 80 invitations extended to side events hosted by global health institutions. Discussions are expected to focus on Ghana’s healthcare interventions, including the Free Primary Health Care initiative, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The 79th World Health Assembly is bringing together governments, policymakers, healthcare experts, and development partners from around the world to deliberate on pressing global health challenges and future strategies for resilient healthcare systems.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
