The African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on Health convened in Accra on July 21-22, 2026, with an ambitious agenda focused on addressing the continent's most critical health challenges. The gathering brought together African leaders, health ministers, and key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on ways to improve health outcomes across Africa.
A central objective of the summit was to galvanize support for efforts aimed at ending AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. These infectious diseases continue to pose significant public health threats in many African countries, and the summit aimed to accelerate progress towards their eradication.
Improving maternal, newborn, and child health was another paramount priority. The discussions underscored the need for enhanced access to quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and essential postnatal services to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
Ensuring the health and safety of the participants was of paramount importance, and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) played a crucial role in providing comprehensive medical cover throughout the summit. A team of skilled paramedics, medical professionals, and support staff was on standby, equipped with state-of-the-art ambulances and medical equipment to handle any emergencies that might arise.
The summit also addressed the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Strategies for prevention, early detection, and management of these conditions were explored, along with the need to address common risk factors.
Furthermore, the gathering focused on the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a group of debilitating infections that primarily affect marginalized communities. The summit aimed to strengthen control and elimination programs for diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and schistosomiasis.
In his address to the summit, President John Mahama emphasized the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in achieving better health outcomes for all Africans. He stated, "We have gathered here because we are the front line of this liberation struggle. We are the generals of the Continent's Battalion of Change Seekers."
President Mahama further emphasized that Africa's modern struggle is not only against poverty and inequality, but also against the diseases and health challenges that continue to limit the potential of millions of Africans.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ghana's Minister of Health, highlighted the need for sustainable funding and innovative approaches to health financing, noting, "Every infection we stop. Every mother we protect from a preventable death. Every disease we hold back. Every health system we build stronger - these are the steps that carry Africa toward a fairer, healthier, and more sovereign future."
Dr. (Med) George Kojo Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, was present at the summit, overseeing the medical cover operations and engaging with key stakeholders in the health sector. His presence underscored the NAS's commitment to ensuring the success and safety of important international events held in Ghana.
The AU Extraordinary Summit on Health concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among African nations to tackle the continent's health challenges collectively.
The Accra Declaration, adopted at the summit, outlines a roadmap for accelerating progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and realizing the vision of a healthier and more prosperous Africa. The crucial role played by organizations like the National Ambulance Service in ensuring the safety and well-being of participants is an essential component of this collective effort.
