African leaders urged to boost investment to end preventable maternal deaths and AIDS by 2030
via GhanaWeb2 min read
African leaders have been called upon to strengthen political commitment and domestic investment to eradicate preventable maternal deaths and AIDS by 2030. This appeal was made during the African Union's 25th Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra, where African health ministers and policymakers are discussing health financing, security, and universal health coverage. Edouard Bizimana, Burundi鈥檚 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, highlighted that Africa, with nearly 17 percent of the world鈥檚 population, bears 24 percent of the global disease burden but has less than three percent of the global health workforce and only one percent of global health expenditure. Despite a nearly 40 percent decline in maternal mortality since 2000, Africa still accounts for about 70 percent of global maternal deaths, and almost two-thirds of people living with HIV reside on the continent. Bizimana emphasized that health is a strategic investment and crucial for sovereignty and development, urging for expanded local production of medicines and vaccines, a stronger health workforce, and improved emergency preparedness. Madam Florence Samizi, Tanzania鈥檚 Deputy Health Minister, called for enhanced collaboration among AU Member States to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. The summit aims to adopt the Accra Declaration, a roadmap to strengthen Africa鈥檚 health systems and advance health sovereign
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadThe South African public broadcaster SABC has issued a televised apology for incorrectly reporting that Ghana had 2,300 Ebola cases and 930 deaths. This apology follows a strong rebuttal from Ghana's Ministry of Health, which stated the report was false and that the country has not recorded any Ebola outbreak. An SABC News presenter acknowledged the error, expressing regret for any distress or inconvenience caused. The broadcaster clarified that, according to Ghana's Ministry of Health, there are no recorded cases of the Ebola virus in the country. The Ministry of Health had condemned the initial report as false and misleading, reiterating that Ghana remains free of Ebola. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh's recent visits to points of entry, laboratories, and treatment facilities were explained as routine preparedness measures to strengthen the country's ability to prevent and respond to potential public health emergencies, not as evidence of an outbreak.
Dr. Vanessa Appea, a Consultant Physician in Genito-Urinary Medicine and HIV Medicine, states that inadequate family support, previous mental health conditions, and fertility struggles are major factors contributing to maternal depression. Speaking on GhanaWeb's Health Focus, Dr. Appea noted that women without strong support systems during pregnancy and childbirth are especially vulnerable. She added that women relocating to new countries or communities, away from family, also face higher risks due to a lack of reliable support. A history of mental illness, family history of mental health conditions, complicated pregnancies, and multiple births can also increase the likelihood of maternal depression. Dr. Appea highlighted fertility struggles as an often-overlooked contributor, explaining that the emotional toll of the journey to conceive can manifest in various ways. She shared her personal experience with fertility challenges, emphasizing that despite strong support from her husband, mother, and friends, motherhood remained difficult. Dr. Appea encouraged families to actively support mothers rather than assuming they will naturally cope with the emotional demands of childbirth.
Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing continued legal challenges as the state has reportedly rejected his plea bargain offer in the ongoing EXIM Bank fraud trial. According to a TV3 report, the negotiations failed because Wontumi's proposal did not meet expectations. Wontumi, who was previously sentenced to 20 years for illegal mining, and two others are accused of defrauding the Ghana Export-Import Bank of approximately GH垄14.3 million to GH垄30 million. The alleged scheme involved presenting a forged receipt, fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public institution. Wontumi's legal team, led by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, initiated the plea-bargaining process, and both parties had sought time to explore a settlement. Wontumi, Wontumi Farms Limited, and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from events around 2018 involving a loan or facility from EXIM Bank. The court had adjourned the matter on June 18, 2026, to allow for initial plea talks.