Ministry of Health, World Bank Launch Regional Strategy to Strengthen Healthcare Systems

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

The Ministry of Health Ghana, in partnership with the World Bank Group, has unveiled a new Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across West and Central Africa.

Launched under the theme “Fit to Prosper,” the initiative seeks to address pressing health challenges, including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. It also positions healthcare as a critical driver of economic growth and regional development.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, underscored the need for urgent and coordinated action across the region. He emphasized that health challenges are interconnected and require collective, cross-border solutions, noting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without resilient and efficient health systems.

He further highlighted Ghana’s ongoing reforms, including efforts to expand primary healthcare access, reduce financial barriers, and strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and disease prevention systems. These measures, he said, are essential to improving access to quality care and enhancing the system’s ability to withstand future public health shocks.

President John Dramani Mahama, in remarks delivered on his behalf, reiterated the central role of healthcare in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda. He stressed that investments in health should be viewed not merely as social expenditure but as a foundation for productivity, innovation, and long-term national prosperity.

Delivering the President’s message, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah highlighted key government interventions, including the Free Primary Health Care Initiative and reforms to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme. He noted that these efforts are aimed at expanding access, improving service quality, and ensuring sustainable healthcare financing.

Also addressing the gathering, World Bank Division Director Robert R Taliercio commended Ghana’s leadership and its longstanding collaboration with the Bank. He pointed to the country’s progress in improving health outcomes as evidence of the impact of sustained investment and sound policy direction.

The one-day forum brought together Ministers of Health from across West and Central Africa, alongside senior government officials, development partners, health experts, academics, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions focused on advancing strategies to build stronger, more resilient health systems and improve population wellbeing across the region.