Ghana's First Lady and an ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother, H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has urged African leaders to prepare for future pandemics so as not to be caught by surprise in the event of a future pandemic.

She said  COVID 19, had had an “unthinkable toll on our lives” and it has been realized the world over that the health systems were simply not ready for a pandemic of such magnitude.

The First Lady who was speaking at the opening ceremony of Merck Foundation's 8th Africa Asia Luminary which was held via zoom on Tuesday, 27th April 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic urged Africa to be ready.

"We all know this is by no means the last pandemic. There will be future pandemics and we have to be prepared", she  urged.

The annual conference was on the theme: “Together we can make a Difference”, with  over 32, 000 participants including First Ladies of various African countries converging online to discuss strategies and solutions for equitable healthcare solutions as well as define interventions to break the stigma around infertility and to support girl education as Ambassadors of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" campaign.

Read her full speech below: