DRIVING AFRICA’S WEALTH THROUGH HEALTH
In August 2024, in an unprecedented initiative, 14 African countries, alongside numerous partners, pledged over USD 45 million to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, this has been a crucial act to ensure flexible resources over the next four years to carry out the needed core work towards building strong and resilient healthcare systems across Africa.
The world’s youngest continent faces a rapidly increasing population and urbanization and registers rising incomes, which drives a shift in healthcare needs. While communicable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, along with the newly rising threats like mpox, remain major public health challenges, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like cancer and diabetes, are also becoming more prevalent. This dual burden underscores the urgent need for a robust and adaptable health-care system to meet the continent’s evolving demands.
Approval, Access and Application: Fundamentals of Sustainable Healthcare
“Swift approval of innovative medicines, the implementation of robust access models, and the sustainable application of such innovative medicine, providing healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to ensure that the right patients receive the benefits of these advancements in a timely, convenient, effective, and safe manner.
This “AAA” model also empowers patients by raising awareness, in- corporating their perspectives, and optimizing care plans. Investment in capabilities, embracing scientific advancements, and collaboration are essential for improving outcomes and sharing best practices” - Ahmed El-Hofy, GM, South Africa, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Clear actions like the collaborative WHO initiative show that Africa’s healthcare systems are at a crucial turning point. While in a global context geopolitics and medical inflation keep creating challenges, they also present opportunities for innovation, regional cooperation, and strategic investment in Africa to change the continent’s international role in health.
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Dahlia Khalifa, Director, Central and Anglophone West Africa of IFC (International Finance Corporation), states: “Investing in Africa’s healthcare sector presents a valuable opportunity for global investors to address critical needs while tapping into significant growth potential. However, success requires adopting nuanced and adaptable strategies that reflect the unique characteristics of each country. Partnerships with businesses and organizations like IFC are essential for understanding and navigating these local nuances. IFC’s approach emphasizes tailored engagement, strategic alliances, and collaborations to unlock the potential in each market. In conclusion, investing in Africa’s healthcare is not just about capitalizing on an emerging market; it is about making a meaningful impact on millions of lives while contributing to sustainable development.
Aware of this momentum, the following report gathers insights from key voices across Africa’s regional healthcare sector to explore how the continent can seize new opportunities to create sustainable healthcare systems. We examine how investing in robust healthcare infrastructure can unlock long-term wealth creation through health, enhancing social and economic resilience