RismadarVoice Reporters
September 17, 2026
Global pharmaceutical company MSD has pledged deeper support for efforts to expand women’s access to cancer care in Ghana, with a focus on sustainable healthcare financing, stronger health systems and reducing financial barriers facing patients.
The commitment followed a high-level policy roundtable convened by MSD and Africa Health Business in Accra, bringing together policymakers, healthcare leaders, oncology specialists, health insurers and payers, development partners, civil society organisations and private-sector representatives.
Discussions focused on strengthening healthcare capacity, improving financing and purchasing mechanisms and developing partnerships capable of expanding access to treatment.
MSD’s External Affairs Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Vuyo Mjekula, said the company wanted its role in the region to extend beyond providing healthcare products to supporting sustainable health systems.
She said improving women’s access to cancer care would require long-term collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, development organisations and the private sector.
FINANCING KEY TO EXPANDING CANCER CARE
A major focus of the discussions was how health insurance reforms and strategic healthcare purchasing could reduce the amount patients are required to pay directly for treatment, particularly for high-burden diseases such as cancer.
MSD pointed to Ghana’s ongoing healthcare financing reforms, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as Mahama Cares, which is intended to provide financial protection for people living with non-communicable diseases.
The company also highlighted efforts to strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme under Ghana’s Health Financing Strategy 2023–2030.
According to MSD, improvements in infrastructure, healthcare capabilities and financing across the care system could increase access to services and improve outcomes for patients.
COMPANY CALLS FOR BROADER PARTNERSHIPS
MSD said governments alone could not address all the barriers limiting access to cancer and other healthcare services.
It advocated an “all-of-society” approach involving government institutions, development organisations, healthcare professionals, civil society and industry partners.
The company said such partnerships could help translate national health policies into sustainable improvements in access to care.
MSD said it would continue supporting policy implementation, health equity initiatives and discussions aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and expanding sustainable access to care for women across sub-Saharan Africa.