BY Daniel Bampoe
Fresh from his election as Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament’s Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Annoh-Dompreh, has outlined an ambitious policy direction aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across the continent.
His leadership comes at a time when the Pan-African Parliament is intensifying efforts to develop harmonised frameworks to address Africa’s most pressing public health challenges.
In his first set of priorities as Chairman, Annoh-Dompreh indicated that the Committee will focus on drafting and promoting model laws across key sectors, including mental wellness, malaria control, and the integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems.
These areas, he noted, represent urgent and evolving challenges that require coordinated continental responses. By developing model legislative frameworks, the Committee aims to guide member states of the African Union in adopting policies that improve access, quality, and sustainability of healthcare delivery.
Beyond policy formulation, Annoh-Dompreh also revealed plans to facilitate targeted health support interventions, particularly in cancer treatment.
He disclosed that countries such as Ghana and Zimbabwe are expected to benefit from enhanced assistance in tackling critical conditions including breast, cervical, and blood-related cancers.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to bridge gaps in specialised healthcare services across Africa.
Reaffirming his immediate agenda, the Committee Chairman emphasized that malaria, mental health, and traditional medicine will serve as the first three priority areas under his tenure.
His approach signals a shift toward inclusive and practical healthcare reforms, combining modern medical systems with indigenous knowledge, while addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Stakeholders within the Pan-African Parliament say his leadership is expected to drive impactful policy outcomes that resonate across the continent.
