Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Calls for African-Led Health Reforms at ICASA 2025 Opening

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has urged African nations to take greater ownership of their public health priorities as the continent faces declining global support for healthcare. She made the call while delivering the opening remarks at the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA 2025), held in Accra, on behalf of former President John Dramani Mahama.

The event drew high-profile dignitaries, including the First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. The Vice President warmly welcomed delegates from across the continent and emphasized Ghana’s pride in hosting a conference dedicated to advancing scientific research and strengthening Africa’s public health response.

Speaking on the shifting global landscape, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang warned that reduced donor funding for health must serve as a wake-up call for African governments. She noted that countries can no longer outsource their health priorities and must instead drive their own reforms, invest sustainably, and set agendas that match their unique challenges.

Highlighting Ghana’s efforts in the fight against HIV, she disclosed that 65% of persons living with HIV now know their status, thanks to increased awareness and access to testing. However, she cautioned that stigma and discrimination continue to prevent many from seeking help. She stressed that prevention and community-driven approaches must remain central to Africa’s strategy.

The Vice President also outlined key national interventions designed to strengthen Ghana’s health system. She pointed to the growing enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund—popularly known as MahamaCares—as major steps toward expanding coverage for chronic illnesses such as cancers.

She underscored the need for stronger regulatory institutions, improved service delivery, and sustainable financing models built around African innovation rather than dependence on external aid. Diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, she noted, are not only public health issues but also economic threats that hinder human capital development and weaken Africa’s competitiveness.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional collaboration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying it offers a vital platform for harmonized policies, shared learning, and collective action.

She concluded her address with a call for renewed resolve, insisting that the next five years will be crucial in determining whether Africa can finally end the threat of AIDS. With stronger systems, long-term investment, and unified leadership, she said, the continent can build a healthier, more resilient, and self-reliant future.

She wished all participants a successful and impactful conference, expressing confidence that the outcomes from ICASA 2025 will shape the trajectory of Africa’s health sector for years to come.