Audio By Carbonatix Ghana has renewed its commitment to building a resilient, research-driven healthcare system, using the 2026 Annual Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology in Africa as a platform to deepen reforms and strengthen partnerships in response to the growing burden of chronic diseases. The three-day conference, organised by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) from April 20 to 22, has brought together global experts, policymakers, and researchers to deliberate on Africa’s evolving health challenges. Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, highlighted a significant epidemiological shift across the continent, from infectious diseases to a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). She stressed the urgency of adopting evidence-based responses aligned with global frameworks, including those of the World Health Organization, particularly SDG Target 3.4 and the WHO PEN-Plus strategy. She outlined key policy interventions by the government aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, including a 66 per cent increase in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) funding to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025. She also pointed to the introduction of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, widely known as MahamaCares, to support the treatment of high-cost chronic conditions. According to her, these measures are designed to expand access to healthcare, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and improve long-term care for patients. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah further underscored the importance of research, pharmacovigilance, and robust health data systems in shaping effective policies, noting that public–private partnerships remain critical in driving innovation and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery. President of ISPE, Ursula Kirchmayer, described the conference as a vital platform for scientific exchange and collaboration. She emphasised the need to invest in young researchers to sustain progress in pharmacoepidemiology and strengthen Africa’s research capacity. The conference is expected to foster stronger partnerships and advance research and policy development across the continent, as stakeholders work towards more responsive and data-driven healthcare systems. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Ghana healthcare reforms ISPE Africa Conference DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story 9th Ghana-West Africa Business Excellence Awards 2026 set for June 6 The lean physician: Why Ghana’s best doctors are finally building on their own terms Ghana, Lesotho deepen procurement cooperation through study visit More than banking: Why empowering Ghana’s youth is most strategic investment of our time Reckoning with the Past, Investing in the Future: Ghana and the Reparations Debate He grew up with nothing. Now he is changing everything — From the streets of Ghana to Milton Keynes New Ghana–Mali shipping deal targets barriers to transit trade Roger De Sa agrees deal to join Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars assistant coach Chamber of Mines rejects ‘colonial relic’ claim, defends Ghana’s mining framework 24-hour markets to transform Ghana’s economy, set for completion within two years – Ahmed Ibrahim Latest Stories Leicester City relegated to League One as Ayew, Fatawu suffer back-to-back drop3 minutes Asantehene honours President Mahama, 2 former Presidents with gold medal10 minutes Ghana pushes research-led healthcare reforms at ISPE Africa Conference11 minutes Assembly members in Nzema East seek gov’t intervention over mining impasse50 minutes 9th Ghana-West Africa Business Excellence Awards 2026 set for June 61 hour Gov’t is afraid of accountability – Minority alleges scheme to weaken OSP1 hour GCMC scales refurbishment capacity from 6K to 50K, seeks gov’t support for expansion1 hour GAF collaborates with NACOC to strengthen personnel wellbeing with new mental health policy1 hour We’re considering legal action over GH¢427m payroll scandal – Kpodo’s lawyer2 hours OSP was not established to be independent of AG – Inusah Fuseini clarifies2 hours Hudson-Odoi ruled out for rest of season after injury2 hours The lean physician: Why Ghana’s best doctors are finally building on their own terms2 hours Importers and exporters back GSA’s cap on container charges2 hours OSP right to seek Supreme Court order to quash High Court’s decision – Tampuli Sulemana2 hours Asiedu Nketia defends ‘One Man, One Position’ policy as a fairness measure2 hours