Ghana to Host AU Summit on Universal Health Coverage and Ending AIDS in 2026

Ghana is set to host an Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra from July 21 to 22, 2026. The summit will focus on improving healthcare across the continent under the theme, “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”

The meeting will convene African Heads of State, ministers of health, finance, and foreign affairs, alongside officials from the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society, youth representatives, and private sector actors. Participants will explore strategies to bolster Africa’s health systems and expedite the achievement of universal health coverage.

According to a statement from the Presidency Communications Office, the summit begins on July 21 with a meeting of experts and senior officials from relevant ministries. They will prepare technical recommendations for ministers and heads of state, who will convene on July 22 to adopt key decisions on Africa’s health priorities. This includes a declaration aimed at accelerating the implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.

Ghana's role in hosting the summit underscores President John Dramani Mahama's dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare and promoting health equity. The government has implemented initiatives such as the Free Primary Health Care Programme, uncapped the National Health Insurance Scheme, and established the “MahamaCares” fund to support universal health coverage. Investments in health infrastructure, workforce training, emergency preparedness, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing are also ongoing. Additionally, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan will lead a side event on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent survival.

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Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.