The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has called on African countries to strengthen their health systems in order to attain universal health coverage (UHC). 

Dr Moeti made the call in her keynote address at the opening of the 2018 Annual Health Summit of the Ghana. She said: “The World Health Organization understands that UHC will not be achieved through a one-size fits approach, which is why we have developed a framework of action to assist countries to select options which best suit their contexts”

The Regional Director pointed out Africa is the continent with the lowest number of health workers for 1000 people and this is a threat to ensuring the availability of essential services. She also noted that lack of adequate number of health workers as well as the uneven distribution between urban and rural areas undermines the ability to ensure equitable access to health services and requires  

Dr Moeti further urged all sectors of the Ghanaian economy to be fully engaged, in the quest to attain UHC.

The Summit which is organised by the Ministry of Health on the theme: “Achieving Universal Health Coverage – Using Innovative Approaches” brought together all sector players as well as health partners to review the performance of the health sector. The event was presided over by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the Vice President of Ghana.