By Ashiadey Dotse
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has made a strong call for fairness in global health systems, saying Africa does not need handouts but equal opportunities to build strong health systems.
Speaking at the African Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Dr. Tedros praised Ghana’s leadership, particularly that of President John Mahama, for taking bold steps toward health sovereignty by increasing national financing for health care.
“This summit is not just about money; it’s about a new way forward,” Dr. Tedros told participants. “Finance alone will not get us to where we want to be. It’s about sovereignty, self-reliance, and solidarity.”
He revealed that health aid to developing countries, especially in Africa, is projected to drop by up to 40% this year, the sharpest decline since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He warned that the sudden drop in aid is causing major disruptions: lifesaving medicines are stuck in warehouses, health workers are losing their jobs, clinics are shutting down, and millions of people are missing essential care.
“This is not a gradual change – it’s a cliff edge,” he stressed.
Dr. Tedros commended Ghana for stepping in to fill the gap. He said Parliament’s recent move to increase funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme was a strong example of national responsibility.
“That’s what sovereignty looks like,” he said, adding that Ghana’s commitment to free primary healthcare for all is the kind of bold leadership needed across the continent.
He also stressed that while private and philanthropic funding are helpful, they cannot replace national government investment. He pointed out that up to 13% of health budgets in low and middle-income countries go unspent due to weak public financial systems, leading not only to wasted funds but also lost lives.
On a broader scale, he criticized the global financial system, revealing that although Africa received $74 billion in aid in 2023, the continent lost $90 billion to illicit financial flows and another $55 billion to tax exemptions.
“Africa lost more than it gained. That is unacceptable,” he said.
Dr. Tedros proposed practical solutions, including increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which he said could raise an additional $3.7 trillion globally in five years and save millions of lives.
He concluded his speech with a strong message: “Let me be clear, Africa does not need charity. Africa needs fair terms. Health is not a cost to be reduced. It’s an investment in people, in stability, and in prosperity.”
