African Leaders to Convene in Accra for AU Extraordinary Summit on Universal Health Coverage

Addis Ababa, July 20, 2026 (FMC) — African leaders will gather in Accra, Ghana, this week for the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, a high-level meeting aimed at accelerating the continent’s efforts to strengthen health systems and advance universal health coverage.

The summit will take place on 22 July 2026, preceded by a Pre-Summit Meeting on 21 July, which will bring together ministers, senior government officials, technical experts and development partners to prepare recommendations for consideration by Heads of State and Government.

Ahead of the summit, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama said the gathering offers Africa an opportunity to advance a shared agenda centered on justice, equity and universal health coverage.

He emphasized the need to strengthen local manufacturing, expand Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, secure sustainable health financing and build resilient health systems, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment, as host, to supporting the continent’s collective vision.

Held 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 summit is expected to focus on strengthening political commitment to improving health outcomes across the continent.

According to the African Union, the Extraordinary Summit will bring together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, representatives of AU organs and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Africa CDC, development partners, civil society organizations, youth representatives and the private sector.

The meeting is expected to review Africa’s progress in tackling major public health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal health, non-communicable diseases and neglected tropical diseases, while promoting equitable access to quality healthcare and advancing the continent’s universal health coverage agenda.

The summit also comes as African countries continue efforts to build more resilient health systems capable of responding to current and future public health emergencies through stronger cooperation, increased domestic investment and coordinated continental action.