BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on African leaders and international development partners to intensify investments in healthcare, education and women’s economic empowerment as part of efforts to build a more prosperous and resilient Africa.
She made the call during the “Passing the Baton” session at a high-level side event of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York.
The event, held under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to reflect on OAFLAD’s achievements over the past 25 years and consider its strategic direction for the next quarter-century.
Reflecting on the history of OAFLAD, Ms Mahama recalled that the organisation was established nearly 25 years ago at a time when the HIV and AIDS pandemic presented one of the continent’s most urgent public health challenges.
She said the circumstances that led to the formation of the organisation demanded bold, coordinated and unified African leadership.
According to her, that spirit of collective action remains necessary as African countries confront a broader range of challenges affecting women, children and families.
The First Lady argued that the continent must now build on the organisation’s experience and extend its focus to the wider social and economic conditions that determine the wellbeing of women and children.
She called for resilient healthcare systems capable of reaching women and children regardless of their location or circumstances.
She advocated for a more integrated approach to maternal and child healthcare, incorporating maternal care, HIV prevention, early screening, nutrition and other essential lifesaving services.
Her argument was that healthcare interventions must not operate in isolation from the social and economic circumstances of the people they are intended to serve.
‘Health cannot be addressed in isolation’
Lordina Mahama stressed that improvements in healthcare must be accompanied by progress in education, women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.
“Health cannot be addressed in isolation. Education, women’s economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential to creating healthier families, stronger communities, and more prosperous nations.”
She said the benefits of investing in women and girls extend beyond individuals and families, with potential effects across communities and national economies.
“When a mother is healthy, when a young girl is shielded from harm and kept in school, and when a woman is empowered to build her own livelihood, the transformative ripple effects lift entire communities and drive national prosperity,” she added.
