Global Health Security: President Mahama Champions the "One Health" Model in Lyon
LYON, France – Addressing a high-level assembly of world leaders, scientists, and financial institutions at the One Health Summit on April 8, 2026, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, issued a clarion call for a radical shift in how the global community manages the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
A Systemic Response to Global Fragility
President Mahama’s intervention comes at a time when the world remains economically and socially scarred by the ripple effects of zoonotic diseases and climate-driven health crises. The One Health approach—which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment—is no longer a theoretical framework but an economic necessity.
"We cannot build resilient economies on a foundation of fragile health systems," President Mahama stated during his keynote address. "The cost of prevention through a One Health lens is a fraction of the trillions lost during global pandemics."
Three Pillars for Action
The President outlined a strategic roadmap for coordinated global action, emphasizing that African nations are often on the front lines of emerging health threats:
- Integrated Surveillance Systems: Calling for the harmonization of data between veterinary and human health services to detect pathogens before they jump species.
- Sovereign Vaccine Manufacturing: Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to becoming a regional vaccine hub, reducing Africa's dependency on external supply chains.
- Climate-Health Financing: Urging international financial institutions to integrate health resilience into climate adaptation funding, particularly for nations in the Global South.
The Economic Stakes
For Ghana and the wider ECOWAS region, the stakes are clear. Health crises do not only strain hospitals; they shutter borders, disrupt trade, and reverse years of GDP growth. By championing the One Health model in Lyon, President Mahama is positioning Ghana as a proactive leader in biosecurity, aiming to attract investments in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
The summit concluded with a commitment from participating nations to increase technical cooperation. For President Mahama, the Lyon Summit is a vital platform to ensure that Africa's voice is central to the new global health architecture.
Key Takeaways from the Lyon Summit
Focus AreaStrategic GoalZoonotic PreventionStrengthening the human-animal health interface.InvestmentMobilizing "Global Gateway" funds for biotech infrastructure.PolicyAligning national health strategies with environmental conservation.LeadershipGhana's role as a regional coordinator for health security.[Click here to read the full transcript of President Mahama's speech]