President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted Ghana’s commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare systems, telling world leaders that proactive measures are key to addressing emerging global health threats.
Speaking at the One Health Summit in Lyon, which he co-chaired alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Mahama underscored the importance of shifting focus from reactive treatment to prevention.
He noted that the global health landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with challenges such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related disruptions posing significant risks to populations worldwide.
“Much of what we previously took for granted is now being questioned,” Mahama said, stressing the need for countries to adopt forward-looking strategies that prioritize early detection, preparedness, and resilience.
The President emphasized the relevance of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health systems. According to him, this framework is particularly vital for African countries, where the connections between these sectors are strong and require coordinated action.
Drawing on Ghana’s experience, Mahama pointed to ongoing national interventions aimed at improving surveillance systems, enhancing public health education, and expanding access to preventive services. These efforts, he said, are already contributing to better health outcomes and stronger system resilience.
He also called for stronger global collaboration, urging governments and international partners to work together in building integrated responses to evolving health risks.
The summit in France brought together policymakers, scientists, and development partners to explore sustainable solutions to health challenges at the intersection of people, animals, and the environment.
