Dr Tedros in Ghana: A call for self-reliance, resilience and health leadership

At a time when Africa faces evolving health challenges, growing demands on health systems and the urgent need for greater self-reliance, leaders from across the continent gathered in Ghana with a shared conviction: the future of Africa’s health must be shaped by African leadership, investment and innovation. The African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, hosted in Accra, brought together Heads of State, policymakers, health leaders, development partners and global health experts to chart a renewed path towards stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems. Beyond the discussions and commitments, the Summit served as a powerful reminder that health is not only a measure of human wellbeing but also a foundation for economic growth, social stability and Africa’s sustainable development. Ghana’s hosting of the high-level gathering underscored the country’s continued leadership in advancing health development on the continent and creating space for dialogue on how Africa can move from dependence to greater ownership of its health solutions. At the centre of discussions was the need for African countries to strengthen domestic capacity and reduce vulnerabilities in the health