Knowledge Center

Embracing a Global Health Perspective

Health

We recognize that health is a cornerstone in the foundation of prosperous nations

Most African countries have endorsed Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a goal in their national health strategies. Yet, progress in translating these commitments into better health care financing and delivery, and ultimately into equitable and quality health services, and increased financial protection, has been slow. Annually, more than 15 million people in Africa are pushed below the $1.90 a day poverty line, mainly due to household health expenditures. More than 109 million Africans spend 10% or more of their household income on health.

Africa is also experiencing a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) related to rapid urbanization and globalization, leading to shifts in dietary and lifestyle patterns. Africa has a double burden of disease: NCDs co-exist with infectious diseases including lower respiratory tract infections, HIV/AIDS and diarrheal diseases. The African economy is also relatively weaker, making it difficult to cope with this burden. While complex multi-sectoral approaches to address NCDs are needed, Africa may benefit from taking simple initial steps to address NCD risk factors including behavior change communication to challenge perceptions on NCDs; collection of accurate data based on indicators that can reflect the double burden of disease; and formulating policies and regulations on financing and treatment

Investment in Africa’s health systems is key to inclusive and sustainable growth. Remittances, largely unstructured, form an important source of financing in Africa, which can be geared towards health. Last year, remittance inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa rose $49 billion, with Nigeria ($19.2 billion), Ghana ($4.5 billion), Kenya ($3.7 billion), Senegal ($2.7 billion), Zimbabwe ($2 billion) as major recipient countries. Also in 2021, investment flows to Africa totaled 83 billion, rebounding quickly after Covid, with the largest foreign asset holders being European. AfroEuro strives for advocacy to facilitate policy reforms to facilitate better remittances for health financing. It also connects African diasporans to paying for health insurance for their poor relatives back in Africa.

The increasing role of private investments and the ongoing dialogue involving the private sector and assessment of the public-private partnerships in health care is critical for the financing and sustainability of African health and systems and services (including NCDs, maternal health, and childhood diseases). AfroEuro connects foreign and African entrepreneurs to facilitate investments in health care infrastructure and provision of health care – including education, prevention, laboratory, diagnostic and treatment services.

Health is Wealth Imitative is an African-led partnership of diaspora networks that seeks to drive advocacy to challenge African leaders and private sector on accountable leadership to address the barriers to equal access to health care, including NCD, maternal health and childhood diseases. The initiative also aims to stimulate new perspectives and exchanges on the transformation that is driving economic growth and health care development in Africa, with emphasis on East and West Africa. The objectives are as follows:

Stimulate new perspectives and exchanges on the transformation that is driving economic growth and healthcare development in Africa.

Advocate for greater commitment and accountability from African governments, private sector and civil society to improve health financing and delivery in Africa.

Support the mobilization of financial, expertise and technological support from Dutch and European businesses required to change and shape health-care systems and outcomes on the continent, including NCD care, maternal care and child health

Mobilize African diaspora networks and professionals to use their knowledge on global health, financing and digitalization to support health systems in Africa.

Secure partnerships with development institutions for technical assistance aimed at supporting a new narrative on healthcare financing and delivery in Africa.

AfroEuro organizes conferences, expert meetings to disseminate insights and shape thought leadership on health in Africa, facilitated by African professionals. Similarly, insights and lessons from research and programs are communicated to communities to enable them to better understand drivers of healthy living and enhance health seeking behaviors:

Health is Wealth Conference, starting at the UHC Day on 12 December

Radio podcasts with leading diaspora networks and professionals, businesses, government and African embassies

Digital advocacy and mobilization of African diaspora networks – social media

Presentations on strategic opportunities in the African health sector based on findings and market research from major reputable sources such as the World Bank report, The Business of Health in Africa, and Brookings report on Strategies for Financing Africa’s Health Sector. which analyzed options for building resilient national health-care systems and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration by leveraging innovations.

Developing a report on mobilizing African diaspora capacity and resources for the African health systems. The report will also highlight business opportunities related to increasing access, affordability and availability within the health-care sector in Africa, with a focus on technological innovations in the financing and delivery of health services

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