A scientist at Harvard University, Prof. Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, is urging African health professionals to tackle emerging global health challenges.

He believes the current global health situation makes the continent particularly vulnerable.

Prof. Lucero-Prisno III was speaking at the Global health emerging leaders programme in Kumasi.

“Migration is the main contributory factor to global health. The challenges transcend national boundaries and the solutions lie in the policies the international organization put in place to contain diseases.”

“Global health depends on the human population which is interconnected. Every country is connected and should be involved in the discussion, particularly countries in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

Despite experiencing the largest gains over the past two decades, the African Region is said to have the lowest Life Expectancy among WHO regions in 2019.

According to the 2021 World Health Statistics Report, population health was improving globally until the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The World Health Organization reports that there has been an increasing global average Life Expectancy (LE) at birth from 66.8 years to 73.3 years, and Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth from 58.3 years in 2000 to 63.7 years in 2019. 

The study of global health places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all persons worldwide.

The Global Health Emerging Leaders programme has therefore created a platform for young leaders in the global health sector to learn and explore more opportunities in the health space.

The conference for health practitioners, students, and young professionals is to ensure the next generation of global health leaders emerge from Africa. It is also meant to develop critical thinkers and leaders in global health.

“The need for raising the next generation of African global leaders is critical in lining out the steps ahead for the future.  The vision is to consciously ensure leaders in global health come from Africa.” Country Director of Africa Young Leaders for Global Health, Kwasi Yelarge said.