Ghana's Deputy Health Minister, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has urged African countries to strengthen their domestic health financing. She stated that the continent can no longer depend on foreign aid for healthcare, as external donor support is increasingly uncertain. This call emphasizes a critical shift towards self-reliance in funding health priorities across Africa.
Professor Ayensu-Danquah delivered this keynote address on July 20 in Accra, speaking on behalf of Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. She highlighted that Africa's future health security depends on sustained local investment. This approach moves away from traditional reliance on development assistance. The dialogue, organized by the African Renaissance Trust and the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation, focused on advancing domestic health financing and accountability.
This push for self-financing aligns with the Abuja Declaration, adopted 25 years ago, which committed African countries to allocate at least 15 percent of their national budgets to health. Despite this long-standing commitment, many nations have struggled to meet the target. The current global financial landscape, with changing funding models, makes domestic investment even more critical for the continent's economic stability and human development.
Professor Ayensu-Danquah explicitly stated, "Official development assistance is less certain. Long-standing funding models are changing. Programmes that many health systems have relied on can no longer be taken for granted." She added that this reality means Africa must strengthen its ability to finance its own priorities. This includes building enduring institutions and investing in health as a foundation for economic growth, not just an expense.
Ghana's government is actively pursuing universal health coverage through various policies. These policies aim to expand healthcare access, improve health outcomes, and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for citizens. The Deputy Minister highlighted two key initiatives: the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) and the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative. These programs are designed to address existing financing gaps within Ghana's health sector.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund provides crucial financial support for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of chronic non-communicable diseases. These conditions are often inadequately covered or not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Beyond patient care, the fund also strengthens specialist healthcare by investing in medical infrastructure, equipment, research, and specialist training. This comprehensive approach aims to build a more robust health system.
The Free Primary Healthcare Initiative complements the NHIS by making essential primary healthcare services more accessible. It places a strong emphasis on disease prevention. Under this initiative, every Ghanaian will be entitled to routine health screenings for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Citizens will also benefit from maternal and child healthcare services, immunisation, and treatment of common illnesses. The program includes community outreach, home visits, and public health education. It is currently rolling out in phases, starting with 150 underserved districts, with nationwide coverage expected in the coming years.
Furthermore, the government has made a GHS 50 million seed investment in the National Vaccine Institute. This investment aims to strengthen local vaccine production and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This initiative builds on Ghana's growing regulatory capacity, evidenced by the Food and Drugs Authority's World Health Organization Maturity Level 3 status. Progress is also being made towards the commercial production of locally manufactured anti-snake venom, showcasing a commitment to local pharmaceutical independence.
Professor Ayensu-Danquah welcomed the African Renaissance Health Financing Insights Dashboard, describing it as an important accountability tool. This dashboard will enable governments to better track health financing commitments and outcomes across the continent. She stressed that strengthening Africa's health systems requires more than just financing. It also needs increased investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, innovation, workforce development, and stronger continental institutions.
She concluded her address by urging African governments to honor their commitments. She called for translating policy declarations into measurable improvements in people's lives. Ghana remains committed to working with the African Union, regional institutions, and development partners. The goal is to build stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant health systems capable of meeting the continent's future needs.