Mahama to address 79th World Health Assembly on health sovereignty for Global South

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to deliver a keynote address today at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, where he will call for stronger health sovereignty and greater self-reliance among countries in the Global South.

The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), brings together heads of state, health ministers, policymakers and global health experts to shape international health policies, approve budgets and coordinate responses to emerging public health threats.

A major highlight of President Mahama’s speech will be the presentation of the “Accra Reset Initiative,” a strategic programme designed to strengthen healthcare independence in developing countries and reduce excessive reliance on foreign donor funding.

The initiative comes at a time when many low- and middle-income countries are facing growing pressure on healthcare systems due to declining donor support, rising disease burdens and global economic uncertainty. President Mahama is expected to use the platform to advocate for sustainable healthcare financing, local pharmaceutical production and stronger public health infrastructure across Africa and other developing regions.

According to officials, the President’s address will emphasize the importance of building resilient healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to pandemics, disease outbreaks and other health emergencies without overdependence on external assistance.

The Ghanaian leader is also expected to challenge the global community to rethink how developing nations are positioned within the international health architecture, arguing that countries in the Global South must be empowered to take greater ownership of their healthcare priorities and policy decisions.

As part of his engagements in Geneva, President Mahama will hold a series of bilateral meetings with international health partners, diplomats and development organizations aimed at strengthening cooperation in healthcare delivery, financing and medical innovation.

He is also scheduled to host a special side event dubbed the “Geneva Clarion Call” under the broader Accra Reset Initiative framework. The event is expected to bring together global health stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for achieving equitable healthcare systems and improving access to quality medical services in developing countries.

Upon his arrival in Geneva, President Mahama was welcomed at the airport by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Nane Annan, wife of the late former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The President was later taken on a tour of the Kofi Annan Lounge at the Geneva airport, a facility established by the Swiss government in honour of the late Ghanaian diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Ghana is expected to attract considerable international attention during the Assembly, with over 80 invitations extended to the country for participation in side events organized by global health institutions and international development agencies.

These engagements are expected to showcase Ghana’s achievements in healthcare reform and social protection programmes, including the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Health experts attending the Assembly are also expected to discuss opportunities for strengthening healthcare partnerships with Ghana, particularly in areas such as digital health, disease prevention, maternal healthcare and medical research.

The 79th World Health Assembly comes at a critical time for global healthcare systems as countries continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery efforts, health financing challenges and increasing demand for universal healthcare access.