UNFPA Regional Director begins five-day visit to Ghana ahead of AU Health Summit

Dr Sennen Hounton, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for West and Central Africa, arrived in Ghana for a five-day official visit from 19 to 23 July 2026. The 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 begin engagements on Monday, 20 July, with a tour of the UNFPA Ghana Country Office, followed by meetings with staff and one-on-one interactions. He will also visit Ussher Hospital in James Town to engage health professionals and observe service delivery before holding discussions with the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection. The day's program also includes a meeting with the Executive Director of the African Forum on Population and Development. On Tuesday, 21st July, the Regional Director will participate in activities leading to the AU Extraordinary Health Summit. 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 President John Dramani Mah.