OUR PRIORITIES
The priorities that keep us busy include the following;
Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care holds paramount importance in Africa as it serves as the foundation for ensuring universal access to essential health services, addressing the diverse health needs of communities, and promoting health equity. By emphasizing preventive measures, early detection, and treatment of common illnesses and chronic conditions, primary healthcare plays a critical role in reducing the burden of disease and preventing avoidable deaths. Additionally, primary healthcare fosters community engagement, empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in their health management and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the establishment of strong primary healthcare systems facilitates more efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery, ensuring that limited resources are allocated where they are needed most. Ultimately, investing in primary healthcare strengthens healthcare infrastructure, promotes social and economic development, and lays the groundwork for achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes across the continent.
Maternal and Child Care
Maternal and Child Care holds profound significance in Africa, where high rates of maternal and child mortality persist despite global efforts to improve healthcare access. Investing in maternal and child health not only saves lives but also promotes the well-being of families and communities, serving as a catalyst for sustainable development. Adequate prenatal care, skilled attendance at birth, and access to essential maternal and child health services are crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates, as well as preventing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, prioritizing maternal and child health strengthens the foundation of society by ensuring healthy pregnancies, reducing the risk of infant mortality, and promoting the physical and cognitive development of children, which in turn contributes to the prosperity and stability of communities and nations. Through comprehensive maternal and child health interventions, Africa can realize its potential for demographic dividends and sustainable progress, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases contribute significantly to the global disease burden. Addressing NCDs is essential for preventing premature deaths and improving the quality of life. Additionally, the economic impact of NCDs can be substantial, as they often lead to long-term disability, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Only 46% of people living with diabetes in the African region know their status, raising the risk of severe illness and death, potentially worsening the situation in the region which already has the world’s highest mortality rates due to the disease. Currently, 24 million adults live with diabetes in Africa. The figure is projected to rise by 129% to 55 million by 2045.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care is of paramount importance in Africa, where the prevalence of maternal mortality, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancies remains disproportionately high compared to other regions. With over 75% of the global burden of HIV/AIDS falling on the continent, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services are crucial for preventing new infections, ensuring access to treatment and care, and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. Additionally, high rates of adolescent pregnancy and unsafe abortions underscore the urgent need for comprehensive sexuality education, access to contraception, and safe abortion services to empower women and girls to make informed choices about their reproductive health. By prioritizing sexual and reproductive health care, Africa can foster gender equality, reduce maternal mortality, and unlock the demographic dividend, ultimately paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.
Financial Protection
Financial Protection is of paramount importance in Africa, where a significant portion of the population faces financial hardship due to limited access to healthcare services and high out-of-pocket spending. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 11% of the population in Africa experiences catastrophic health expenditures, pushing approximately 97 million people into poverty each year. Moreover, only about 17% of the population in Africa has access to social health insurance, leaving the majority vulnerable to financial ruin in the event of illness or injury. Implementing robust financial protection mechanisms, such as universal health coverage and community-based health insurance schemes, is essential for ensuring that individuals and families can access essential health services without facing financial hardship. By providing financial risk protection, Africa can significantly reduce the incidence of medical impoverishment and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all its citizens, thus promoting social justice and economic development across the continent.
Quality Healthcare
The importance of Quality Healthcare in Africa cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts health outcomes and the well-being of individuals and communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor-quality healthcare contributes to approximately 1.5 million deaths each year in Africa, with preventable medical errors and substandard care being significant contributors. Moreover, the Lancet Global Health Commission estimates that investing in quality healthcare systems could prevent up to 8 million deaths annually in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa. Ensuring quality healthcare involves addressing factors such as healthcare infrastructure, healthcare workforce training and retention, access to essential medicines and technologies, and patient-centered care. By prioritizing quality in healthcare delivery, African countries can significantly improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs associated with preventable errors and complications, and build trust in healthcare systems, ultimately advancing progress towards achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
Data and Analytics
Data and Analytics holds profound significance in advancing healthcare in Africa, serving as a cornerstone for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and policy formulation. In a continent marked by diverse healthcare challenges, robust data collection, analysis, and interpretation provide crucial insights into disease prevalence, healthcare utilization patterns, and the effectiveness of interventions. Moreover, data-driven approaches facilitate early detection and response to outbreaks, enabling proactive measures to mitigate the spread of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Furthermore, data plays a pivotal role in monitoring progress towards health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifying areas requiring targeted interventions to reduce health disparities and improve overall well-being. Harnessing the power of data empowers African healthcare systems to optimize resource allocation, enhance service delivery, and ultimately save lives.
Technology
Technology plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing health financing and delivery in Africa, offering transformative solutions to longstanding challenges. Through innovations such as telemedicine, mobile health applications, and electronic medical records, technology extends healthcare access to remote and underserved communities, overcoming geographical barriers and improving efficiency in service delivery. Additionally, fintech solutions facilitate secure and efficient financial transactions, enabling innovative payment models such as mobile money and micro-insurance, which make healthcare more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population. Moreover, mobile technology empowers healthcare workers on the front-lines. Equipped with smartphones or tablets loaded with medical apps, these heroes can swiftly access crucial information, from diagnostic tools to treatment protocols, enhancing their ability to provide timely and accurate care. In regions where resources are scarce, mobile technology becomes a lifeline, allowing healthcare providers to deliver high-quality services efficiently and effectively.
Political Leadership
Political Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of healthcare in Africa, influencing policies, resource allocation, and the overall effectiveness of health systems. Strong political commitment and leadership are essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the healthcare sector, including inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and disparities in access to care. By prioritizing health on the political agenda, advocating for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development, and implementing evidence-based policies, political leaders can drive transformative change that improves health outcomes and promotes social and economic development. Moreover, political leadership is crucial for fostering partnerships with international donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector to leverage resources and expertise for sustainable health system strengthening initiatives. Ultimately, visionary political leadership is indispensable for building resilient and equitable healthcare systems that meet the needs of all Africans, ensuring the right to health for every individual on the continent.
Public-Private Collaboration
The Private Sector plays a crucial role in complementing public healthcare systems in Africa, offering diverse services, innovations, and resources to improve access to quality healthcare. According to the World Bank, the private healthcare sector in Africa delivers between 30% to 60% of healthcare services, catering to a significant portion of the population. Private providers often fill gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in remote or underserved areas where public facilities may be scarce. Additionally, the private sector drives innovation in healthcare technology, pharmaceuticals, and service delivery models, contributing to advancements that benefit both public and private healthcare systems. Moreover, private health insurance schemes and facilities offer options for those who can afford them, reducing the burden on public healthcare resources and expanding access to care for those who may not have access otherwise. Collaborations between the public and private sectors can lead to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery, ultimately improving health outcomes and contributing to the overall well-being of communities across Africa.
Better Engagement, Better Access, Better Outcomes.