The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has launched a Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.
The initiative, unveiled under the theme “Fit to Prosper,” seeks to address critical health challenges including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, while positioning healthcare as a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah underscored the importance of health to national development, noting that investments in healthcare go beyond social spending and are essential for productivity, innovation, and long-term economic prosperity.
Mr. Debrah highlighted ongoing reforms such as the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at expanding access, improving quality of care, and ensuring sustainable healthcare financing.
Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for urgent and coordinated regional action, stressing that health challenges transcend national borders and require collective solutions.
He outlined Ghana’s efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems to build resilience against future health shocks.
World Bank Division Director Robert R. Taliercio commended Ghana’s leadership and its longstanding partnership with the Bank, noting that the country’s progress in improving health outcomes reflects the impact of sustained investment and strong policy direction.
The one-day event brought together Health Ministers from across West and Central Africa, along with development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to improve healthcare delivery and population wellbeing across the region.
