President John Dramani Mahama is set to host African Heads of State and Government in Accra for an African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit focused on advancing Universal Health Coverage and accelerating efforts to end AIDS, tuberculosis and other major health challenges across the continent.
The two-day summit, scheduled for July 21 and 22, 2026, will be held under the theme, “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, July 21, the summit will bring together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, officials of the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society organisations, youth representatives and private sector actors.
The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening health systems across Africa and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
The summit begins on Tuesday with a Member State Experts Meeting involving senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Finance and Economic or Development Planning to prepare the technical groundwork for subsequent deliberations.
On Wednesday, July 22, African Heads of State and Government will convene to deliberate on key health priorities and adopt decisions, including a declaration aimed at accelerating implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.
The Presidency said Ghana’s hosting of the summit reflects the government’s commitment to expanding equitable access to healthcare and supporting continental efforts to address major health challenges.
It cited the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, among measures being pursued by the government.
“This Summit is a critical opportunity for Africa to unite around a shared vision of health equity and justice,” the Presidency stated.
“President Mahama is proud to have Ghana host this important continental dialogue, and we urge all stakeholders to work towards practical, people-centred solutions for the health and wellbeing of all Africans,” it added.
The summit will also feature a Call to Action on Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Survival led by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, in partnership with the Accra Reset.
The Government of Ghana has welcomed participating leaders and delegates while reaffirming its commitment to working with the African Union and its member states to advance Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
