World Health Summit opens in Berlin amid calls for health sovereignty

The 2026 World Health Summit has opened in Berlin under the theme ‘From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.’ The three-day event brings together over 4,000 participants and 400 speakers to address global health challenges including conflict, climate shocks, and the aftermath of the pandemic.

During the summit, Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, advocated for a country-led global health system, stating that international policies must be designed with countries rather than imposed upon them. This stance follows Ghana’s April 2026 rejection of a proposed US$109 million health compact with the United States.

The Ghanaian government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, raised concerns regarding the terms of the US proposal, specifically citing issues related to the protection of national health data, pathogen profiles, and medical records. Additionally, the government expressed concerns over financing obligations and potential restrictions on the Food and Drugs Authority’s ability to inspect medical products.