President John Dramani Mahama has urged world leaders and global health institutions to prioritise practical action over repeated policy declarations in efforts to reform the international health system.

Addressing delegates at the 79th World Health Assembly on Monday, May 18, President Mahama stressed that global health reforms must deliver tangible results at the grassroots level rather than remain limited to conferences and policy discussions.

He cautioned that attempts to reform the global health architecture should not become symbolic exercises, insisting that outdated structures and mandates must be critically examined if meaningful progress is to be achieved.

According to the President, the international community must shift attention from excessive resolutions and reports to investments that strengthen local production, improve supply chains and build systems capable of responding effectively to future health emergencies.

“The world does not need more communiqués. It needs deal rooms, local factories and resilient supply chains,” President Mahama stated.

He added that the true measure of success should be reflected in the quality of healthcare available to ordinary people, particularly children in developing countries.

President Mahama argued that children born in the Global South deserve the same opportunity for survival and healthy growth as those in wealthier nations, regardless of economic or geographical differences.

He further observed that the current global health framework, largely shaped by historical structures, is increasingly under pressure, while a new approach centred on national ownership, stronger partnerships and reduced dependency is gradually emerging.