Insights on global health reform discussions, trends and perspectives: June 2026
The fifth in our ongoing series of Insights papers on global health reform discussions, trends and perspectives is now available.
In our previous Insights papers, we highlighted the risk of fragmented reform efforts and a leadership vacuum, and considered which constellations of actors may be best positioned to take the reform agenda forward.
In today's reform landscape, two major initiatives stand out: the Accra Reset, led by President John Mahama of Ghana, and the WHO-hosted reform process, formally adopted by the 79th World Health Assembly. While there is ample curiosity around both processes, we note that the confidence in their ability to deliver change varies across the global health community. Those closely engaged in reform discussions express concerns that the proposals may not be ambitious or transformative enough.
Discrepancies between rhetoric and reality, and between what is said in public fora compared to closed-door discussions, must be recognised. Reform conversations are far more palatable when kept at the level of systems and principles but become notably sensitive when they begin to unpick the underlying drivers of systemic dysfunction.
Whether due to complacency, self-interest, or insistence on a flawless process, there is a risk that the ongoing sense of urgency will fade. Though the appetite for change remains strong, this reform moment will be judged by whether it delivers meaningful outcomes, or becomes another collection of well-worded commitments. With significant leadership transitions approaching in 2027, including at the AU, WHO, Africa CDC, and The Global Fund, now is the time to think, and act, boldly.
We will continue to share regular updates and analyses around key issues and decisions in what will be a critical few months for shaping the future of global health.