The Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia Care (G4 Alliance), a coalition of about 80 organisations, is set to convene its first Surgical Care Dialogue in Accra. The event, scheduled for November 9 and 10, will explore ways of improving access to safe, quality and affordable surgical care across Africa. The dialogue is being organised in partnership with Mercy Ships and the Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF).
The dialogue will build on Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) and identify practical measures to strengthen health systems, mobilise resources and improve patient outcomes. Dr Evelyn Abayaah-Issah, a G4 Alliance board member, said the dialogue would focus on addressing persistent gaps in access to essential surgical services. About two-thirds of the world’s population lacks access to safe surgical care, making it a major global health concern.
Dr Abayaah-Issah noted that Ghana’s experience in developing and implementing its National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan provided a strong foundation for discussions on advancing health sovereignty and improving healthcare delivery across the continent. The meeting will bring together African health ministers, regional bodies, clinicians, financiers and other stakeholders to explore sustainable approaches to financing and delivering essential surgical services.
The objective of the dialogue is to translate existing policy commitments into practical interventions that will improve access to care. Dr Juliette Tuaklie, Ambassador for Mercy Ships in Africa, said the organisation is pleased to partner with the G4 Alliance to advance access to surgical care based on medical needs rather than geographical location or financial circumstances. Mercy Ships will remain in Ghana for 10 months, undertaking medical and surgical training in collaboration with local health institutions.
Dr Tuaklie said the dialogue will provide an opportunity to discuss financing, professional training, infrastructure, and other measures needed to improve patient outcomes. Delegates will visit the Mercy Ship docked at Tema on November 7 to observe how surgical services, medical training and international collaboration can strengthen healthcare systems. The training programme is designed to build local capacity and ensure that the benefits continue after the ship departs.
Dr Erica Bennett, Head of Mission of the Diaspora Africa Forum, said the initiative highlights the contribution of the African diaspora to the continent’s development. The Forum is committed to promoting meaningful partnerships between Africa and the diaspora, particularly in sectors such as healthcare where specialised knowledge and skills can strengthen local institutions. An emergency trauma training programme will be organised for about 80 paramedics, ambulance drivers and other personnel on November 5.
Dr Neil Wetzig, President of the G4 Alliance Permanent Council, said the alliance seeks to facilitate collaboration among governments, professional bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and development partners to address gaps in surgical care. The G4 Alliance advocates universal access to safe, timely and affordable essential surgical, obstetric, trauma and anaesthesia care services worldwide. The dialogue will focus on mobilising political commitment and financial and human resources, strengthening health systems and ensuring that patients receive the care they need when they need it.
Key points
- The G4 Alliance will convene its first Surgical Care Dialogue in Accra from November 9-10 to improve access to safe surgical care across Africa.
- The dialogue will build on Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan and identify practical measures to strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes.
- The event will bring together health professionals, policymakers, and financiers to explore sustainable approaches to financing and delivering essential surgical services.
