Championing Neonatal Survival: Can the Private Sector Deliver?

Hello,

Welcome to the August edition of the?Africa Health Business? Newsletter. This month, our spotlight is on Neonatal Mortality in Africa.

Recently, Africa Health Business? conducted a market assessment to explore the role of the private sector in improving neonatal mortality and survival rates in Ethiopia. Our aim? To introduce private-sector solutions and partnership that can leapfrog neonatal medical care. Curious to know more? ?Continue reading and dive into the main findings article on our?website .

Background:

Neonatal Mortality Incidence Rate (NMIR) assesses infant death probability within the initial 28 days after birth. The initial 7 days of this phase are critical, as most neonatal deaths happen during this time.

In 2021, the world witnessed a heartbreaking toll of 2.3 million children lost ?during their first month of life. This translates to around 266 neonatal fatalities each hour, underscoring the large global health issue that neonatal mortality presents.

Did you know that infants in Sub-Saharan Africa are 10 times more likely to die in the first 28 days of life as compared to infants born in high-income countries?

Neonatal Mortality in Ethiopia:

Over the past decade, neonatal mortality in Ethiopia has shown improvement. The rate dropped from 37 deaths per 1000 live births in 2011 to 29 deaths per 1000 live births in 2016, as reported by the?Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016.

Private Sector Investment Opportunities to fill the gap:

With a population of around 120 million, Ethiopia stands as one of Africa's top 5 economies, offering substantial healthcare investment prospects. The nation's growing engagement with foreign investment amplifies the healthcare sector's opportunities for expansion and progress.

Opportunities in a Nutshell:

The private sector's active participation plays a pivotal role in tackling Ethiopia's neonatal health barriers head-on. Through the introduction of innovative and cost-effective medical technologies, fortifying healthcare infrastructure, delivering crucial training, and aligning with quality regulations, the private sector can significantly contribute to diminishing neonatal fatalities in Ethiopia.

Get the Full Scoop: Read the Complete Article

During the third week of August, we ran a LinkedIn poll to obtain opinions on tackling neonatal morbidity and mortality in Africa. The poll outcomes strongly advocate for a multifaceted approach to curbing neonatal health challenges.

The synergy between the public and private sectors enhances the effectiveness, enabling the execution of holistic strategies encompassing quality healthcare, technology, education, and financial backing.

COWHA Speak Up! Series; Cervical Cancer Awareness

During the month of August the Coalition for Women’s Health in Africa (COWHA) raised awareness around cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet the burden of this disease remains alarmingly high in Africa.

By equipping women with information, we can make a significant impact in lowering the number of deaths caused by this preventable cancer.? For the month of September, COWHA through the Speak Up! series will raise awareness on ovarian cancer.

Keep following, sharing, and liking COWHA on:??LinkedIn ?|?Twitter ?|?Instagram.

CoBA: The Unseen Impact, Women and Blood Donation's Hidden Challenge

Did you know that despite being the primary beneficiaries of blood transfusions, women are currently underrepresented as blood donors? Various factors contribute to this gap.

In our spotlight article this month, the Coalition of Blood for Africa (CoBA) examines these factors and suggests interventions to narrow the gap. Uncover more details from the?article ?and access additional insights on blood-related issues in Africa once you?subscribe? to the CoBA Newsletter.

Keep following, sharing, and liking CoBA on:??LinkedIn ?|?Twitter?

BRICS Summit?2023: Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response Dialogue

"Africa is in acceleration mode, with its health and wellness market poised to reach USD 259B by 2030, and 1 in every 4 global citizens expected to be African by 2050. We must strengthen our shield against pandemics and disease threats by increasing investments in the health sector" -?Dr Amit N. Thakker , Executive Chairman,?Africa Health Business

We are delighted to have partnered with the?BRICS Business Council ?(South Africa Chapter),?Africa CDC , and The National Department of Health of South Africa (NDoH), to initiate dialogue towards increased action on strengthening Africa's shield against pandemics and disease threats.?

Thank you for being part of this edition of our newsletter! We hope you found the insights valuable and informative. Stay connected as we continue our journey towards enhanced healthcare in Africa.