President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level talks with Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, and Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, on strengthening public health systems across Africa.

The meeting, held in Accra, focused on advancing the continent's health agenda, with discussions centred on the Accra Reset, President Mahama's vision of an Africa that manufactures its own vaccines, builds resilient health systems and reduces dependence on foreign aid through greater self-reliance.

President Mahama also highlighted progress on Ghana's Free Primary Health Care programme, which provides all Ghanaians with access to free basic healthcare services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics without the need for a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card.

According to the President, the initiative forms part of the government's broader efforts to accelerate Ghana's journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

Byanyima commended President Mahama's leadership in promoting health sovereignty, describing his vision as important not only for Ghana but for Africa and the wider Global South.

The meeting comes as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, where African leaders are gathering to discuss strategies for strengthening health systems, promoting equity and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.