Transforming Healthcare in the Global South: 8 Strategies for Lasting Impact

In a remote village in Sub-Saharan Africa, a mother desperately watches over her sick child, fever burning, knowing that the nearest health facility is miles away. With no transportation, no medical supplies, and limited knowledge of how to help, she faces a heartbreaking reality: her options are painfully few. This isn’t just her story—it’s the story of millions of families across the Global South. As global donor aid continues to decline, the urgency for change has never been more pressing. Governments in these regions can no longer afford to wait for external help; they must act now to build health systems that are not only resilient but self-sustaining. This is not just about survival—it's about empowering these communities to rise above today’s challenges and secure a healthier, more prosperous future for tomorrow. The time to transform global health is now, and it begins with bold, strategic action.

?Here are some of the most critical strategies that must be prioritized to create a sustainable health future:

1. Increase Domestic Health Financing

Investing in health is not just a moral obligation—it's an economic necessity. Currently, low-income countries spend an average of just $8 per person on health, which is drastically below the estimated $60–$86 required to provide essential care[1]. Governments must prioritize health within national budgets, tackle inefficiencies, and look to innovative financing solutions. When health is prioritized, the long-term returns on investment can help boost the economy, reduce poverty, and ensure a healthier, more productive workforce.

2. Strengthen Health Systems and Achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means ensuring all individuals have access to quality health services without facing financial hardship. As of 2021, more than 4.5 billion people—more than half of the global population—lacked full access to essential health services[2]. By implementing policies that expand coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and protect citizens from catastrophic health costs, we can move toward a healthier, more equitable society for all.

3. Foster Public-Private Partnerships and leverage existing networks like the Global Leaders Network and ECSA, SADC among others

Government collaboration with the private sector can dramatically improve healthcare access and delivery. For example, public-private partnerships in pharmaceutical production can lower the cost of essential medicines, while partnerships in health technology can expand access to telemedicine, reaching even the most remote areas. This synergy can amplify healthcare delivery and provide scalable solutions to complex challenges. By leveraging global networks like the Global Leaders Network and ECSA, SADC, among others governments and private entities can collaborate to address systemic health challenges at scale. The Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health is particularly instrumental in elevating health issues to the highest political agenda in member countries. It is well-positioned to engage Presidents across the continent to advocate for financial prioritization, expanded access to health services, and progressive health laws that support women, children, and adolescents.

4. Advancing local manufacturing of vaccines and essential medicines

Advancing local manufacturing of vaccines and essential medicines, including RMNCAH supplies, is critical amid dwindling donor funding to ensure sustainable, affordable, and timely access to life-saving health commodities. Currently, Africa imports nearly 70-90% of its pharmaceuticals, making it highly dependent on external suppliers and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions (UN Economic Commission for Africa[3]. With donor funding for global health steadily declining—such as Gavi’s forecasted funding gaps and reduced contributions from traditional donors—there is an urgent need to strengthen domestic production capacity. Establishing robust regulatory frameworks, incentivizing private-sector investment, and fostering technology transfer can enhance local manufacturing. Regional collaborations, such as the African Medicines Agency (AMA), also play a crucial role in harmonizing regulatory standards and expediting approvals. Governments and stakeholders must prioritize domestic resource mobilization, innovative financing, and policy support to reduce dependency on external funding, improve supply chain resilience, and secure long-term health security for communities.

5. Embrace Technology for Health Equity

Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, are transforming healthcare delivery in underserved regions. With over 70% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa owning a mobile phone, mobile health innovations can bridge significant gaps in health education, disease surveillance, and service delivery[4]. By embracing these technologies, health equity can be more easily achieved, ensuring that even the most isolated populations have access to critical care. Governments don’t need to start from scratch; they can build on existing digital platforms already contextualized for Africa and aligned with WHO and Ministry of Health protocols. Leveraging these solutions, such as E-Heza Data Solutions with Global Good Status, enhances cost-effectiveness by maximizing impact within limited resources while strengthening primary healthcare delivery. Proven digital tools like E-Heza serve the entire health ecosystem, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and improved service delivery without reinventing the wheel. By integrating such solutions into national health strategies, governments can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and better health outcomes.

6. Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms

A health system is only as strong as its accountability to its people. Effective accountability systems, like community scorecards and participatory governance, empower citizens to hold healthcare providers and governments accountable. By involving communities in decision-making and monitoring health services, we can increase transparency, improve service delivery, and build trust in the system.

7. Address Social Determinants of Health

The social conditions people live in—such as access to education, nutrition, clean water, and housing—are crucial determinants of health. Health policies must be integrated with other sectors to improve these factors. For instance, improving access to clean water can significantly reduce waterborne diseases, which cause over 1.6 million deaths annually[5]. Addressing these social determinants ensures more holistic, long-term improvements in health outcomes.

8. Build Climate-Resilient Health Systems

The effects of climate change are already posing severe health risks, including increased rates of vector-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses. Building health systems that are resilient to climate impacts is imperative. Despite this need, only 15% of countries currently have climate-resilient health strategies[6]. By prioritizing sustainable health infrastructure, we can better prepare for and mitigate the health challenges posed by a changing climate.

By embracing these strategies, governments in the Global South can build health systems that are not only more resilient but also more equitable and self-sustaining. This will lead to healthier, happier populations, ready to thrive in the face of new challenges. The time to act is now—prioritize health, and the future will be brighter for all.

#GlobalHealth #Sustainability #HealthEquity #Innovation #ResilientCommunities #DomesticHealthFinancing #UniversalHealthCoverage #Accountability

About the author:

Dr. Diana Nambatya Nsubuga is a transformative force in global health, dedicated to reshaping healthcare systems through innovation, equity, and community-driven solutions. As Co-CEO of TIP Global Health and Universal Health Coverage Co-Chair for Africa, she has worked alongside Africa CDC as a thought leader and technical expert, driving impactful change. With nearly 19 years of experience in RMNCAH, primary healthcare, and health system strengthening across Sub-Saharan Africa, Diana is an unwavering advocate for sustainable health solutions that empower communities. Her vision is bold yet clear: to build resilient, self-sustaining health systems that not only address today’s urgent challenges but also lay the foundation for generations to come. Through her leadership, she champions the belief that true healthcare transformation begins when communities own their future—proving that change is not just possible but inevitable when driven by passion, purpose, and partnership.

You can follow Dr. Diana Nambatya Nsubuga for more insights on global health, community empowerment, and sustainable health systems:

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References

[1] HealthData.org (2020). Investing in health yields significant economic returns: Health financing in low-income countries. Retrieved from https://www.healthdata.org.

[2] World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Universal Health Coverage: Progress and ??challenges. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.

?[3] UN Economic Commission for Africa. (2021). Healthcare and Economic Growth in Africa: Addressing the Pharmaceutical Industry Gap.

[4] World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). Digital health technologies and innovations: Bridging the gap in healthcare access in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.

?[5] World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Addressing social determinants of health to improve public health outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.

?[6] World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Climate-resilient health systems: Preparing for the future of health in a changing climate. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.

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