The West Africa College of Physicians has called on governments in West Africa to strengthen their countries’ health systems if vaccine production must be attained in the region.

President, WACP, Dr Rose Macauley, made the call at a news conference to commemorate the 48th Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the college on Saturday in Abuja.

The theme for the 48th AGSM, holding between Monday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 30, is ‘Improving the health system in the West Africa region: opportunities and challenges.’

Ms Macauley said that unless the West African governments strengthened their countries’ health systems, vaccine production might be impossible.

According to her, producing vaccines requires resources, and technology, stressing that the region has many researchers who are working hard, but the health system must be strengthened to achieve results.

Ms Macauley explained that the 48th AGSM’s theme captured the college’s commitment to addressing some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing West Africa.

She said that the AGSM would identify some innovative solutions and collaborations that would drive transformative change across West Africa.

The AGSM was heralded by a medical outreach, organised at Kuje Area Council on Saturday.

Ms Macauley said, “The outreach is aimed at providing essential healthcare services to residents of this community. This initiative is designed to address the healthcare needs of those who may have limited access to medical facilities, offering services such as health education, health screening, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses. The medical outreach is a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals, local authorities, and volunteer organizations, all working together to improve the health and well-being of the Kuje community.”

Ms Macauley stressed the importance of the 2024 AGSM, adding that the AGSM was of particular significance, as it reflected a pivotal moment in the college’s shared journey.

According to her, the healthcare landscape in West Africa is complex and dynamic and shaped by the resilience of the people, the dedication of the healthcare providers and collaboration of governments and partners.

She said the region continued to face considerable challenges, including emerging infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases.

Ms Macauley said there was a critical need for sustainable healthcare financing and workforce development, adding that the college’s meeting represented a collective commitment to tackle the challenges.

She said the meeting also aimed at transforming West Africa’s healthcare systems to better serve its communities.

“We recognise that by bringing together experts from across West Africa and beyond, we will foster dialogue, share knowledge, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen healthcare across our countries,” Ms Macauley said.

(NAN)