CS Duale Pushes for Sustainable Health Financing
Innovative financing mechanisms, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and greater efficiency in the use of existing resources were also demanded by him.
Duale used Kenya's experience as an example. He outlined three general pillars for the country's health reforms. One is domestic resource mobilization. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale called on Africa to undertake urgent reforms on how it funds its health systems. Speaking at a side event during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Duale maintained that Africa must have stronger, domestically led financing arrangements.
He also warned that Africa’s over dependence on foreign aid is not sustainable. He believed that the future of African health lies in innovative and country-owned solutions. He went on further to say that such reforms should align with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Health Strategy 2016–2030.
Duale used Kenya’s experience as an example. He outlined three general pillars for the country’s health reforms. One is domestic resource mobilization, or increasing more local funds for health. Two is the expansion of universal health coverage so that all citizens have access. Three is the strengthening of public–private partnerships to attract more investment and efficiency.
He also added that Africa must witness greater domestic investment in health. Innovative financing mechanisms, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and greater efficiency in the use of existing resources were also demanded by him. Regional solidarity, he observed, will also be important in building resilient healthcare systems in the continent.
Duale reiterated that Africa must stop talking and start walking the talk. In this regard, he proposed the setting up of Africa–Japan health financing accelerators. These would tap into Japan’s experience in having achieved universal health coverage and translate this experience to the African situation.
The CS clarified that health financing sustainability is not merely a technical or financial issue. It is both a moral and political imperative. According to him, stronger health systems will improve the well-being of African people while safeguarding the stability and prosperity of the continent.
Duale concluded by challenging African leaders to commit to action. He emphasized that investments in health today will determine the continent’s ability to provide a better future for generations yet unborn.
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