Gen-z in Kenya say "healthcare costs" is No.1

The heartbeat of a nation pulses through its youth, and in Kenya, that pulse is racing with concern. As revealed by a recent Afrobarometer survey, the cost of healthcare tops the list of worries for young Kenyans aged 18-35, outpacing even the rising cost of living and unemployment. This clarion call for change echoes through the streets and into the halls of power, demanding attention and action.

Key points from the survey and implications:

? 46% of young Kenyans cite health as their top concern

? The cost of living (39%) and unemployment (30%) follow closely, intertwined with healthcare affordability

? Corruption (25%) ranks fourth, suggesting systemic issues affecting healthcare delivery

? Infrastructure and education (both 21%) highlight the need for holistic development

The prevalence of health-related concerns among Kenya's youth paints a stark picture of a system under strain. Families grapple with the choice between seeking care and meeting other basic needs, often resorting to borrowing or foregoing treatment altogether. This precarious situation calls for innovative solutions that address both the supply and demand sides of healthcare.

CheckUps COVA envisions a future where families and businesses can access care through purchased health benefits, bringing medical attention directly to members' homes. However, realizing this vision requires radical changes in both the healthcare supply chain and financing models. The challenge lies in scaling these solutions to meet the needs of millions.

To truly transform healthcare access in Kenya, we must reimagine delivery systems, leverage technology, and create flexible financing options that work for all income levels. Only then can we ensure that when young Kenyans speak of their concerns, healthcare affordability is no longer at the top of the list.

Philips Foundation IBM Visa Swiss Re World Health Organization IFC - International Finance Corporation Gates Foundation DRK Foundation 54 Collective MarcoPolis AAIC Investment Sanofi 阿斯利康 Fintech Association Of Kenya Africa Fintech Summit Capital Club East Africa East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) Chanzo Capital Future Africa Accelerate Africa PipeOps (Accelerate Africa '24) FlickWheel (AA1 '24) Jacques-Philippe Piverger Clinton Global Initiative 美国哈佛大学 Harvard Innovation Labs Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health