Principal Secretary Calls for Stronger African Health Systems and Local Manufacturing
Ghana, - Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has called for bold continental action to strengthen Africa’s health systems, advance health sovereignty and accelerate local manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other health technologies.
Speaking at the 20th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Oluga said Africa must build resilient, self-reliant health systems anchored on sustainable financing, strong institutions, innovation and local production.
He highlighted Kenya’s ongoing health sector reforms, noting that the country is implementing a comprehensive Universal Health Coverage agenda built on social health protection, primary healthcare and digital health. He said the expansion of health insurance coverage through the Social Health Authority, increased contracting of health facilities and investments in interoperable digital health systems are improving access to quality healthcare.
On maternal and child health, Dr. Oluga reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ending preventable maternal deaths by strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality maternity services and increasing domestic investment in maternal and newborn health.
The Principal Secretary noted that investments made over decades in the fight against HIV have strengthened laboratories, surveillance systems, health information platforms and service delivery, creating critical assets that now support broader health system resilience. He added that the rollout of long-acting HIV prevention technologies demonstrates Africa’s growing capacity to deliver innovative health solutions.
Dr. Oluga underscored the need to invest in a skilled, adequately supported and equitably distributed health workforce, describing health workers as a continental strategic asset essential to achieving health sovereignty. He said Kenya continues to prioritise the training, employment and deployment of health professionals, including strengthening the role of Community Health Promoters within the health system.
He also emphasised the importance of science, research and innovation, highlighting Kenya’s investments in research institutions and innovation ecosystems to develop African solutions to emerging health threats, including infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
On local manufacturing, Dr. Oluga called for stronger investment in domestic production of health products, noting that Africa must move beyond dependence on imports by creating sustainable markets for African manufacturers. He highlighted the role of the Kenya BioVax Institute in advancing vaccine and biologics manufacturing and called for predictable financing, procurement guarantees and multi-year purchasing arrangements to support local industry.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed Kenya’s support for the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism and urged Member States to accelerate its operationalisation to expand access to quality, affordable health products while strengthening regional manufacturing.
He concluded by calling on African countries to invest strategically in health workers, scientists and innovators, stressing that Africa’s health security must be driven by African priorities and African-led solutions to build a healthier, more resilient and self-reliant continent.