The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to build a resilient, research-driven healthcare system, using the Annual Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa to drive reforms and strengthen partnerships to combat the rising burden of chronic diseases.
The conference, organised by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) from April 20–22, 2026, brought together global experts, policymakers, and researchers to address Africa’s evolving health challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, highlighted the continent’s shift from infectious diseases to a growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
She stressed the need for evidence-based responses aligned with frameworks by the World Health Organization, including SDG Target 3.4 and the WHO PEN-Plus strategy.
She outlined key government reforms, including a 66 per cent increase in NHIS funding to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025 and the introduction of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) to support the treatment of high-cost chronic conditions.
These interventions, according to her aims to “expand access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and strengthen long-term care.”
The Deputy Minister underscored the critical role of research, pharmacovigilance, and health data systems in shaping effective policy, while highlighting public–private partnerships as vital to innovation and equitable healthcare delivery.
ISPE President, Ursula Kirchmayer, described the conference as a key platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.
She also emphasized investing in young researchers to sustain progress in pharmacoepidemiology.
Stakeholders said the conference is expected to strengthen partnerships and drive research and policy development across Africa.
