By Abujah Racheal

African leaders, policymakers and global health stakeholders will converge in Accra on Aug. 5 for a landmark summit on health sovereignty, convened by the Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama.

The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit is with the theme “The Accra Initiative: African Health Sovereignty in a Reimagined Global Health Governance Architecture”.

It is expected to mark a pivotal moment in advancing Africa-led reforms in global health governance.

According to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to the President, made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, the summit will unveil the “Accra Initiative”.

Ofosu said that the Accra Initiative is a bold action plan to promote national ownership, investment and leadership in the continent’s health systems.

He said that there had been progress in global health, such as a 50 per cent drop in child mortality since 1990 and a 40 per cent decline in maternal deaths since 2000.

He, however, said that shifting geopolitics, dwindling donor funds and emerging threats had exposed deep flaws in the current health architecture.

“This summit is our moment to lead, not only in financing our systems, but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health; rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people.”

Ofosu said that key expected outcomes included the endorsement of the Accra Compact, which outlines Africa’s vision for equitable global health governance.

“There will be a launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to support domestic investment-driven health systems.

“There will also be the formation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to design a reform roadmap and a commitment to inclusive, accountable and resilient health systems,” he said.

NAN reports that the summit draws inspiration from Mahama’s leadership during the 2014 Ebola crisis.

It builds on the work of Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, and the African Union, to enhance health financing and coordination across the continent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman