Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah Calls for Stronger Health Systems at 10th JEAM Lecture at UHAS

The 10th John Evans Atta Mills (JEAM) Leadership Lecture Series at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has been held at the CEDI Auditorium in Ho, where H.E. Ambassador Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah delivered a strong call for reforms in Africa’s reproductive health systems.

Speaking on the theme “From Knowledge to Action: Bridging Africa’s Reproductive Health Gap: The Role of Health Training Institutions,” she stressed that Africa’s reproductive health landscape continues to record significant gaps despite progress in policy and practice.

She noted that there is a critical need to integrate healthcare services in Ghana through data-driven systems, while also strengthening logistics and supply chains to improve efficiency across the health sector.

Dr. Brookman-Amissah emphasized that health training institutions remain central to bridging these gaps, as they are responsible for equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and innovation required for effective service delivery.

She further urged policymakers to ensure that health systems and national policies are guided by public health evidence and human rights rather than ideology or folklore, arguing that evidence-based decision-making is key to sustainable health outcomes.

Touching on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), she explained that it is designed to provide scientifically accurate and well-researched information, but noted that many parents and teachers are not adequately prepared to guide young people on the subject.

On maternal health, she acknowledged improvements over the years but stressed that progress remains insufficient, particularly in Africa, where stronger commitment and investment are still required to accelerate change.

Dr. Brookman-Amissah also called for greater investment in primary healthcare professionals and mid-level providers, describing them as essential to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving quality of care.

The lecture also carried a reflective moment as she recalled former President John Evans Atta Mills, quoting his values of humility and service, which she said should continue to guide public service in Ghana.

The event forms part of the annual JEAM Leadership Lecture Series, which honours the legacy of the late President Mills and promotes leadership, health education, and development across Ghana and the continent.