MSD convenes high-level UHC policy roundtable with Africa Health Business in Accra
The meeting brings together stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to strengthening Ghana’s health system and advancing national UHC priorities.
GHANA— MSD has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable health systems, policy implementation and universal health coverage (UHC) in Ghana as policymakers and healthcare stakeholders explore ways to improve access to care and strengthen health financing.
The company is co-convening a high-level policy roundtable with Africa Health Business (AHB) at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
The meeting brings together stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to strengthening Ghana’s health system and advancing national UHC priorities.
Strengthening health systems
Vuyo Mjekula, MSD’s External Affairs Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company’s work in the region extends beyond providing healthcare solutions.
“Here in Ghana, we are supporting multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnering on sustainable access mechanisms to help translate strategic commitments into lasting health outcomes,” Mjekula said.
He said implementing national healthcare strategies requires sustained collaboration, innovation and policy alignment among governments, healthcare providers, development organisations and the private sector.
Ghana is at an important stage in its efforts to achieve UHC and establish sustainable mechanisms for financing healthcare.
The country’s focus on strengthening primary healthcare and improving financial protection presents opportunities to expand access to essential services.
Recent policy developments have also placed greater emphasis on financing healthcare for people with high-burden conditions.
These include the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as Mahama Cares, which aims to provide financial support for people living with non communicable diseases.
The country is also implementing measures under the Ghana Health Financing Strategy 2023 to 2030 to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme and improve the sustainability of healthcare financing.
Three priorities for health system resilience
The Accra roundtable focuses on three areas considered critical to building a stronger and more sustainable health system.
Strengthening system capacity will focus on improving infrastructure and capabilities across the healthcare continuum to strengthen service delivery and expand patient access.
Sustainable financing and purchasing will examine strategic purchasing mechanisms and health insurance reforms aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs and improving financial protection for people affected by high-burden diseases.
Multi-sectoral alliances will explore how governments, development organisations, civil society and industry can work together to address barriers to healthcare access and support better health outcomes.
Bringing stakeholders together
The forum brings together senior policymakers, healthcare leaders, oncology specialists, public and private payers, development partners, civil society representatives and private sector stakeholders.
The discussions provide a platform for these groups to examine health system challenges, share experiences and identify areas where collaboration can support implementation of national health priorities.
MSD said it will continue working with partners across sub-Saharan Africa to support policy implementation, promote health equity and strengthen health systems, while helping to expand sustainable access to healthcare for women.
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