Julius Debrah: Africa is no longer a bystander in global health governance
The Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called for a fundamental shift in global health governance, declaring that Africa must take charge of its health future through leadership, investment, and equitable partnerships.
Delivering an address at the High-Level Summit on African Health Sovereignty in Accra today, Mr Debrah said the continent could no longer accept a system designed in a different era, one that fails to address its current realities.
The summit, held under the theme “The Accra Initiative: African Health Sovereignty in a Re-imagined Global Health Governance Architecture,” brought together African leaders, health experts, and global stakeholders to chart a new path forward.
Fit for purpose
Mr Debrah warned that Africa’s hard-won health gains—including progress in maternal and child health, HIV response, and pandemic preparedness, are at risk due to shrinking donor funding, shifting geopolitics, and an outdated global health framework.
“The current global health governance architecture was not built for Africa’s realities,” he said. “It is time to move from being passive participants to architects of the reforms we need.”
The summit aims to produce concrete outcomes, including a critical review of the evolving global health landscape and its impact on Africa. Delegates are expected to co-create sovereign solutions to place the continent at the centre of a transformed system.
A major focus will be the establishment of a Presidential Task Force to develop a time-bound action plan for reforming global health governance in line with African priorities.
The summit will also endorse the SUSTAIN Framework, a Ghana-led strategy to safeguard health achievements, drive country-led reforms, and future-proof health systems.
Finally, the gathering will define a clear post-Accra roadmap, ensuring that Africa’s voice is amplified at key international forums, including the African Union Summit and the United Nations General Assembly.
Turning point
Mr Debrah described the summit as more than just a meeting, calling it a turning point for Africa’s role in global health.
“Africa is no longer a bystander. We are stepping forward as investors in our own systems, designers of our own solutions, and equal partners in global health.”
He urged leaders to leave Accra with a shared commitment to turn dialogue into action, ensuring that the summit’s outcomes translate into tangible reforms.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Debrah thanked participants for their dedication to building a new era of health sovereignty and urged them to carry the momentum forward until Africa’s vision is fully realised.
The summit continues with closed-door strategy sessions and high-level negotiations on the proposed reforms.
