Mahama calls on Africa to manufacture its own medicines to end import dependence

The President said strengthening pharmaceutical production would not only improve health security but also create industries and jobs for Africa’s growing youth population under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Addressing the African leaders at the African Union Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra, the President said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of depending on external suppliers after African countries struggled to access vaccines despite having the resources to pay.

President John Mahama has urged African leaders to accelerate efforts to manufacture medicines, vaccines and medical equipment on the continent.