Health minister calls for self-reliance in African health financing
The National Department of Health has reiterated the importance of self-reliance in financing health systems.
In Lusaka, Zambia, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi addressed African health ministers at the 75th World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa session on Monday.
The meeting aimed to tackle health challenges and endorse resolutions to boost public health.
Motsoaledi stated that, despite financial constraints, the WHO supported 47 member states in advancing towards Universal Health Coverage, with a focus on primary healthcare. The District Health for All approach was implemented in 17 countries.
WHO also responded to 168 public health emergencies and improved emergency preparedness in 36 countries.
Additionally, five countries validated the elimination of at least one neglected tropical disease, and nutrition efforts were advanced in 28 countries.
However, he said they are concerned that in advancing these plans, there is a lack of debate regarding how their efforts will be financed sustainably.
“The recent withdrawals of international partners and donors in supporting health systems in developing countries, particularly in the African region, create sustainability concerns. The defunding and underfunding of our health systems threaten and undermine any progress that we might have made in strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage,” Motsoaledi said.
“In light of this, South Africa wishes to reiterate and emphasise the importance of self-reliance in financing health systems. We need to advocate for increased domestic financial resource mobilisation through our fiscus. We believe that investing in our own health systems is crucial for sustainable development and improving the health and well-being of our populations.”
Motsoaledi said that while international solidarity is precious and appreciated, in today’s uncertain world, the primary responsibility for taking care of the health of citizens lies with member states and no one else.
“We urge member states to prioritise health financing and explore innovative financing mechanisms to support our health systems as we approach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. By doing so, we can reduce dependence on external funding and ensure that our health systems are resilient and responsive to the needs of our people,” Motsoaledi said.
“Let us work together to strengthen our health systems, promote universal health coverage, and ensure that our people have access to quality healthcare services without experiencing financial hardships. We are committed to collaborating with WHO-AFRO and other partners to achieve these goals.”
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that in the face of financial and organisational challenges, the regional office has continued to deliver world-class technical support to member states.
He said that to broaden its donor base and make funding more sustainable, the WHO began reforms in 2017–2018 due to heavy reliance on earmarked funds. In 2022, member states committed to a historic progressive increase in assessed contributions to 50% of the budget.
The first increase occurred in 2024, with a second approved for the following year, a crucial step in addressing a broken funding model.
“It will help to protect the organisation from the impact of future shocks, and be transformative to its long-term financial stability,” Ghebreyesus said.
He said it is not about the money, but for the WHO’s independence.
Ghebreyesus also urged ministers to use every tool at their disposal to generate health funding and improve efficiency.
He said health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are a powerful tool for revenue generation and health improvement, adopted by Botswana, Cabo Verde, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Additionally, a landmark resolution led by Nigeria and co-sponsored by over 25 countries (including Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, and Zambia) was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May, urging greater domestic investment in health and governance reform.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za