African Leaders Push for ‘Health Sovereignty’ at AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra

African leaders attending the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, held from July 21–22, 2026 in Accra, have renewed calls for continental “health sovereignty” and greater self‑reliance amid major cuts in international funding. The high‑level gathering focused on accelerating efforts to end AIDS by 2030, reducing preventable maternal deaths, tackling Africa’s heavy burden of communicable and non‑communicable diseases, and strengthening health systems to expand access to quality healthcare.

A key message echoed throughout the summit was the need for robust implementation of health protocols, including the creation of continental dashboards to track progress and ensure accountability.

Opening the summit at the Alesa Hotel, Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, representing President John Dramani Mahama, stressed that health must be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a financial burden.

“Health is not a cost. It is the engine of productivity and the foundation of sovereignty,” he said.

President Mahama, who joined the summit virtually, underscored the urgency of domestic financing and ending Africa’s long‑standing dependence on foreign donors. He urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable results, while calling for strong private‑sector participation in all health initiatives.

The summit was held under the theme: “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non‑Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasised that Africa’s health independence hinges on local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines. He urged member states to convert summit declarations into concrete actions that will help end AIDS by 2030 and advance Universal Health Coverage.

Several heads of state reinforced the call for stronger health systems and coordinated action.

• President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who also serves as AU Chairperson, highlighted the need for strategic partnerships, political commitment, and resilient national health systems.

• President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, attending in person, focused on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent survival, stressing partnerships to reduce preventable maternal deaths.

The Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government concluded with the adoption of the Accra Compact, a declaration aimed at accelerating implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030. Leaders endorsed Africa’s vision for health equity, stronger regulatory systems, improved global health governance, and country‑led health programmes powered by domestic resources.

Stay tuned for further developments as Africa advances its push toward true health sovereignty.