The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Health and Member of Parliament for Nabdam Constituency, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, has called for stronger global cooperation and sustainable investment in healthcare systems to address growing health challenges worldwide.
Delivering a speech at the Global Parliamentarian Forum during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Dr Nawaane said Ghana stands with the international community in pursuing a new global health order built on equity, resilience, and self-reliance.
“I bring you warm greetings from the Republic of Ghana at the 79th World Health Assembly here in Geneva,” he stated, noting that the world is currently facing rising disease burdens, shrinking donor support, climate-related threats, and widening inequalities in healthcare delivery.
According to him, the Government of Ghana is implementing significant reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving access to healthcare services.
The reforms, he explained, include strengthening primary healthcare systems, expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme, improving maternal and child healthcare services, and operationalising the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support specialist healthcare delivery and reduce catastrophic health expenditure among vulnerable populations.
Dr Nawaane further highlighted Ghana’s commitment to digital transformation in the health sector, emphasising the role of innovation and technology in strengthening healthcare systems.
He revealed that a new Artificial Intelligence programme, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had recently been launched to improve disease surveillance, strengthen health outcomes, and build resilient health systems for vulnerable populations.
Despite the progress being made, the Nabdam legislator acknowledged that Ghana and many African countries continue to battle communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, while non-communicable diseases are also increasing across the continent.
He stressed that sustainable domestic financing for healthcare has become indispensable in ensuring resilient and effective health systems.
Dr Nawaane also called for increased investment in primary healthcare, local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, pandemic preparedness, health workforce development, and equitable access to medicines and medical technologies.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and partnerships with the World Health Organization and member states in promoting healthier, safer, and more resilient societies globally.
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