Article authored by Dr Githinji Gitahi, Amref Health Africa, calls for the region to go beyond set health funding targets that only concern health service delivery and consider financing social factors that determine healthcare as a more holistic approach to ‘Health for All’.
The article explores the limitations of healthcare financing in Africa, specifically in the context of the Abuja Declaration, which calls for countries to allocate 15% of their annual government expenditure to healthcare. Despite the seemingly clear target, the author argues that focusing solely on healthcare financing can obscure broader determinants of health, such as education, clean water, sanitation, and nutrition, which are crucial to maintaining a healthy population.
The author emphasizes that true health goes beyond just healthcare services—it involves a holistic approach that addresses social and commercial determinants of health. This includes investment in education, especially for girls, clean water and sanitation, proper nutrition, and other preventative measures that can reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Given the financial constraints and the limitations of the 15% target, the author calls for a shift in focus from financing healthcare to investing in health. This approach promotes disease prevention, community empowerment, and health promotion, ultimately leading to healthier populations with lower healthcare costs. The article concludes by advocating for a new health order that prioritizes addressing social and commercial determinants of health as a more sustainable path for African nations.
