The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr Sennen Hounton, has arrived in Ghana to embark on a five-day official visit to the country.

The state visit combines high-level bilateral engagements with participation in the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Health Summit in Accra.

The visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Government of Ghana, the AU, development partners and UN agencies on key issues including reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment and universal health coverage.

Dr Hounton will officially begin his engagements on Monday, 20 July, with a tour of the UNFPA Ghana.

The programme also includes a meeting with the Executive Director of the African Forum on Population and Development.

The Regional Director will participate in activities leading to the AU Extraordinary Health Summit.

The pre-summit sessions will focus on accelerating implementation of the AU Roadmap to 2030, advancing health justice, equity and universal health coverage across Africa, and reviewing the summit's outcome documents.

Dr Hounton is expected to play a speaking role during a partners' roundtable on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, as well as health equity and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

A major highlight of his visit will be a scheduled meeting with government officials where discussions are expected to focus on Ghana's partnership with UNFPA.

Dr Hounton will hold a media engagement with the media. Join Heads of State and other dignitaries for the opening ceremony of the AU Extraordinary Health Summit.

An event will centre on a High-Level Strategic Partners Alignment Meeting involving the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

Discussions will focus on strengthening partnerships, improving coordination and aligning investments to support the AU's health agenda.

According to UNFPA Ghana, the visit underscores UNFPA's continued commitment to supporting Ghana and countries across West and Central Africa in improving sexual and reproductive health services, advancing gender equality, empowering young people and strengthening resilient health systems.

It also reflects the organisation's active role in shaping continental dialogue on health financing, equity and sustainable development through the AU Extraordinary Health Summit.