Mahama to address 79th World Health Assembly, push for global south health sovereignty
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to deliver a keynote address today at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will champion health sovereignty and self-reliance for developing nations.
The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), brings together global leaders, health experts and policymakers to set international health priorities, approve budgets and coordinate responses to public health emergencies.
A major focus of President Mahama’s address will be the “Accra Reset Initiative,” a policy vision aimed at repositioning countries of the Global South to build stronger and more independent healthcare systems amid declining international donor support.
The President is expected to urge world leaders to rethink global health financing structures and prioritise sustainable domestic healthcare investment, particularly for low and middle-income countries facing increasing pressure from cuts in donor funding.
As part of his engagements in Geneva, President Mahama will also hold bilateral meetings with international partners and host a side event under the theme “Geneva Clarion Call” to advance discussions on health sector reforms and global cooperation.
President Mahama arrived in Geneva to a warm reception led by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Mrs Nane Annan, wife of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
During his arrival, the President toured the Kofi Annan Lounge at the airport, a facility dedicated to the memory of the late Ghanaian diplomat by the Swiss government.
Ghana is expected to receive significant international attention during the Assembly, with more than 80 invitations extended to side events hosted by global health institutions.
The events will highlight Ghana’s healthcare achievements, including the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, and the country’s National Health Insurance Scheme, which continue to attract global interest as models for improving healthcare access and delivery.
