AHB - November Newsletter
Health systems in Africa grapple with a number of challenges, but public-private partnerships (PPPs) are transforming the landscape. These collaborations between governments and private entities bring in funding, technology, and operational efficiencies. Africa Health Business works with a vast network of partners such as Africa CDC to bridge gaps in the continent's health systems by fostering partnerships that lead to improved healthcare.
CPHIA 2023
In less than a decade since its inception, the Africa CDC has earned accolades for its commitment to championing sustainable health systems on the continent especially during the pandemic.
The influence of the Africa CDC is evident in initiatives like #CPHIA2023, which attracted approximately 5,100 in-person delegates in Lusaka, Zambia and 30,000 participants online.
CPHIA 2023 took place from 27th - 30th of November and focused on breaking barriers and repositioning Africa in the global health architecture.
Key topics covered include pandemic preparedness, multi-sectoral response mechanisms, women's health, universal health coverage, and the changing disease burden in Africa.
Overview of AHBs engagements and sessions at CPHIA 2023:
Track 7: Whole-of-society: The power of engaging civil society, private sector, and local philanthropy
Africa Health Business along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and VillageReach , lead track 7. The track underscored the transformative role of collaboration in healthcare. The session emphasized the importance of partnerships for efficiency and sustainable scaling.
The speakers, Dr Amit N. Thakker, Kedest Tesfagiorgis , Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma - FAPH , Dr. Githinji Gitahi , Wadzanayi Muchenje , Souhail Alouini. MD , Nicki Tiffin , Claudia S. made a compelling case for private sector actors working together with the government. Co-development of public health programs ensure a comprehensive and impactful approach. There is power in people and relationships, a need for co-creation in genuine collaborations, and there is pivotal role of community engagement in the process. The overarching theme called for inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to revolutionize healthcare.
Partnerships for Access to Medicines - Side Session
Alongside 辉瑞 , Africa Health Business held an inperson side session that underscored the urgency of addressing healthcare access issues in Africa. Speakers Ms. Tintswalo Shikwambane , Dr Amit N. Thakker , Prof. Nicaise Ndembi , Hon. Sicily Kariuki, EGH, Dr. Mary Wambui Moehlmann, Ms. Udie Favour Soko , discussed solutions towards lowering the high cost of medicines for African families and the need for collaborative alliances. The session highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder consensus, tackling opportunities, sharing best practices, and strategic change-making to drive positive change in healthcare access. Key areas of focus included addressing global vaccination disparities, establishing effective public-private partnerships, and implementing innovative financing mechanisms for accessing medicines.
Accelerating Universal Health Coverage by leveraging the private sector: Side Session
AHB Executive Chairman Dr Amit N. Thakker was a speaker during this session that highlighted the transformative potential of integrating primary healthcare into medical schemes. The session emphasized the power of this approach, coupled with leveraging digital solutions such as telemedicine and e-Pharmacy, to significantly expand healthcare access in Africa.
Virtual side sessions
Prior to the start of the inperson conference, AHB was awarded five virtual official side sessions focusing on:
Please click on the above links for a reference to the youtube video where you can view the entire session.
Hot Topic: Antimicrobial Resistance
In this month's knowledge feature, we delve into antimicrobial resistance, shedding light on the what and the why of the growing concerns.
The Antimicrobial Puzzle: Why is it a Global Conversation?
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In the month November, AHB observed the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) under the theme "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together." The focus was on fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
What are antimicrobials and why is the world alarmed?
Antimicrobials serve as medicinal agents for preventing and treating infections in humans, animals, and plants.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread. This leads to ineffective antibiotics and antimicrobial medicines, making infections more challenging or impossible to treat.(Source: WHO )
Why is AMR a growing concern for health in Africa?
Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms are a growing global concern. In Africa, AMR has already been documented to be a problem for HIV and the pathogens that cause malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, cholera, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dysentery.? (Source: Africa CDC ).
With the continent’s already underfunded healthcare systems, rising drug resistance is costly because using second- and third-line treatments is more expensive than using the initial drugs.
Africa CDC is taking a proactive step by establishing the Anti-Microbial Resistance Surveillance Network (AMRSNET). This network intends to foster collaboration between public health institutions and leaders from both the human and animal health sectors to address the challenges of AMR.
Public and private sector collaboration to solve to problem
?The public and private sector in Africa can work together to address this challenge in the following ways:
1.?Data sharing and harmonization:
Collaborate to share and harmonize AMR-related data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue and its trends.
2.?Developing prudent use guidelines:
Formulate and adhere to guidelines for the responsible use of antibiotics, ensuring their effective use and reducing overuse.
3.?Research and innovation:
Join forces to fund and conduct research on new antimicrobials and innovative treatment methods, focusing on AMR pathogens.
4.??Enhancing education and awareness:
Collaboratively raise awareness among healthcare providers, patients, and the public about the consequences of AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
Africa Health Business ?(AHB) is a dynamic and influential pan-African advisory and consulting firm driven by the compelling vision of “in Africa, by Africa, for Africa”. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AHB is dedicated to strengthening the private sector to play an impactful role in solving Africa’s healthcare challenges. We provide market insights and foster productive stakeholder engagements to enhance access to equitable healthcare across Africa.
Interested in exploring how AHB can help grow your business or organization in the African (private) healthcare space? Reach out to: [email protected]