In a groundbreaking move to bolster health security across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, the Health Emergency Leaders Network was launched in Rabat, Morocco, marking a historic collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the Kingdom of Morocco. Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Health, joined deputy health ministers and senior health emergency leaders from both regions to drive this landmark initiative, signaling a new era of regional and global health cooperation.

 

A Milestone for Global Health Security

The Health Emergency Leaders Network, launched during a three-day summit in Rabat, aims to strengthen regional defenses against health crises while reinforcing global health security. The initiative addresses the urgent need for coordinated responses to ongoing challenges, including cholera outbreaks, mpox transmission, and Ebola resurgence across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. By fostering trust, operational alignment, and cross-border collaboration, the network seeks to build resilient health systems capable of tackling complex emergencies.

 

Key Takeaways from the Launch
The Rabat summit highlighted several critical objectives:

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– Global Health Security: The network promotes shared responsibility, solidarity, and cooperation to enhance regional and global defenses against health crises.
– Sustainable Preparedness: By prioritizing sustainable preparedness, the initiative aims to build robust health systems to protect future generations from pandemics and other emergencies.
– Rabat Statement of Intent: The summit concluded with the adoption of the Rabat Statement of Intent, a collective commitment to foster trust, accelerate collaboration, and strengthen cross-border health emergency responses.

 

Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah emphasized the practical value of the network, stating, “The Rabat draft is an opportunity to act differently. When the next epidemic, natural disaster, or displacement crisis comes, we will now already know whom to call, how to share information, and how to respond. That is how we save lives.”

 

Benefits for Ghana

Ghana’s participation in the Health Emergency Leaders Network aligns with President John Mahama’s vision for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Hon. Dr. Ayensu Danquah, a board-certified general surgeon and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, highlighted how the network’s goals complement Ghana’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery. Key benefits for Ghana include:
– Strengthening the Emergency Health Workforce: The network’s flagship initiative to bolster the emergency health workforce in the Eastern Mediterranean Region offers opportunities for Ghana to enhance its own healthcare capacity through training and technical assistance.
– Improved Health Security: By engaging in this cross-regional platform, Ghana can improve its preparedness and response to health emergencies, ensuring better protection for its citizens against outbreaks and crises.
– Alignment with National Priorities: The initiative supports President Mahama’s healthcare agenda, including the Ghana Medical Trust (‘Mahama Cares’), which focuses on improving public health outcomes nationwide.

 

Why This Matters

The launch comes at a critical time, with Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean facing unprecedented health challenges. From January to May 2025, cholera cases reached 211,678 with 2,754 deaths across 26 countries, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported its 16th Ebola outbreak in September 2025. The network’s focus on building trusted relationships and rapid-response mechanisms is a proactive step toward mitigating these crises.

 

Morocco’s role as host underscores its growing influence in African health diplomacy, with the country leveraging its strategic position to foster collaboration. Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted, “Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean face some of the toughest emergencies in the world. By bringing our leaders together, we are creating the relationships and readiness spirits that will make responses faster, stronger, and ultimately, lifesaving.”

 

The Health Emergency Leaders Network represents a bold commitment to transforming health security through collaboration and innovation. Hon. Dr. Ayensu Danquah called on stakeholders to sustain political commitment and integrate the network’s frameworks into national health systems. “This initiative is about people—leaders acting together in solidarity to save lives,” she said, echoing the sentiment of regional health leaders.

The launch of the Health Emergency Leaders Network in Rabat marks a pivotal moment for health security in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. With Hon. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah championing Ghana’s involvement, the nation is poised to benefit from enhanced emergency preparedness, stronger health systems, and deeper regional collaboration. As Ghana aligns with this transformative initiative, it takes a significant step toward safeguarding its citizens and contributing to global health security.

 

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