President John Mahama has urged African leaders to prioritise investment in healthcare, describing it as fundamental to the continent’s sovereignty and long-term development.

Speaking at a high-level Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) meeting in New York, Mr Mahama said strong health systems should be viewed not as a cost, but as a driver of productivity and resilience.

“Health is not a cost. It is the engine of productivity and the foundation of sovereignty,” he told delegates, which included heads of state and government officials.

The meeting, held under the theme “Securing Africa’s Health Sovereignty: Political Leadership for Sustainable Health Financing, Local Manufacturing, and Pandemic Preparedness,” focused on building resilience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Mahama’s remarks come as many African countries push to strengthen local vaccine manufacturing, secure sustainable funding for public health, and improve preparedness for future pandemics.

On Tuesday, the president is expected to continue advocating for greater African leadership in global health at a side event during the United Nations General Assembly. The discussion, titled “The Accra Reset: Reimagining Global Governance for Health and Development,” will bring together global partners and policymakers to consider new approaches to health cooperation.

His comments reflect growing calls for Africa to take greater control of its health agenda and ensure it is better positioned to respond to global health emergencies in the future.

Source:TheDotNews