President John Dramani Mahama is expected to use his address at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva today to call for stronger and more self reliant health systems across developing countries.
The gathering, organised by the World Health Organization, brings together world leaders, health officials and policymakers to set global health priorities and coordinate responses to major public health challenges.
A key focus of Mr Mahama’s speech will be the Accra Reset Initiative, which promotes what he describes as “health sovereignty” for countries in the Global South.
The President is expected to urge developing nations to reduce dependence on foreign donor support and invest in resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to future crises. His remarks come at a time when many international health programmes are facing funding cuts.
Mr Mahama will also hold bilateral talks and host a side event in Geneva under the theme “Geneva Clarion Call”.
On arrival in Switzerland, the President was received by the Director General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Mrs Nane Annan, wife of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
He was later taken on a tour of the Kofi Annan Lounge at the airport, a facility dedicated to the late diplomat by the Swiss government.
Ghana is also expected to receive significant attention during the assembly, with more than 80 invitations extended to side events hosted by global health institutions.
The discussions are expected to emphasize Ghana’s healthcare initiatives, including Free Primary Healthcare, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and the National Health Insurance Scheme.
