President John Dramani Mahama has claimed that Africa’s ambition to develop a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is no longer “a mere scribble on paper,” but rather a vision that is gradually becoming a reality.
Speaking to heads of state and government on the second day of the African Union Extraordinary Summit, President Mahama emphasised the need for Africa to engage in local pharmaceutical production and industrial transformation in order to lessen its heavy reliance on imported medications and medical supplies.
Strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity is essential to achieving health security, promoting economic transformation, and generating jobs for Africa’s expanding youth population, he said, adding that the continent’s continued reliance on outside sources for essential health commodities remains a major vulnerability.
President Mahama also emphasised the alarming drop in health-related development assistance, warning that many African nations still heavily rely on outside financing to maintain their health systems.
He characterised the circumstance as a turning point that calls for audacious, indigenous responses.
President Mahama called for a change from promises to practical action, framing health investment as a social and economic priority and connecting improved health systems to long-term resilience, job creation, and economic prosperity throughout the continent.
President Mahama made a forceful plea to all African heads of state, health ministers, legislators, and partners in attendance to fulfil their commitments, emphasising that the continent’s health future rests on audacious choices that yield tangible outcomes.
Source: newsthemegh.com