The state of universal health coverage in Africa

African governments have been pushing for universal health coverage, but a recent assessment reveals that 60% of people on the continent still lack access to essential health services. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, shed light on the current state of universal health coverage in Africa. Dr. Gitahi emphasized that universal health coverage (UHC) encompasses access to needed health services, availability of services to everyone, and the method of payment. Ideally, UHC ensures that all necessary services are of high quality, accessible to all, and free of charge. However, in Africa, only around 40% of the population has access to health services, leaving a significant portion without vital care. Dr. Gitahi highlighted that much of the available care is financed out-of-pocket, leading to increased financial burdens on individuals and households. This situation often results in impoverishment, as healthcare costs consume a significant portion of people's incomes. For instance, Africans spend approximately 4% of their income on healthcare, compared to 1% or less in countries like Europe. This disparity underscores the financial strain faced by many Africans in accessing essential healthcare. The lack of adequate investment in health systems poses a significant challenge to achieving UHC in Africa. Dr. Gitahi explained that the current health systems in Africa are primarily focused on treating diseases rather than promoting health and prevention. This treatment-centric approach incurs high costs and is not sustainable in the long run. Dr. Gitahi noted the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, mental illness, and cancer in Africa and emphasized the need for preventive measures and community-based health interventions. Addressing these non-communicable diseases requires a shift towards creating healthier environments, regulating food consumption, and promoting physical activity. Dr. Gitahi highlighted the importance of making cities safe and promoting healthy food regulations to combat the rising burden of lifestyle diseases. The issue of healthcare financing presents a significant hurdle to achieving UHC in Africa. Dr. Gitahi mentioned that countries in sub-Saharan Africa spend an average of $50 per capita on healthcare, far below the estimated $100 per person needed to provide basic health services. In a region where fiscal space is limited and tax collection is challenging due to high informality rates, governments struggle to allocate sufficient resources to healthcare. Dr. Gitahi stressed the importance of strategic purchasing of healthcare services and addressing social determinants of health to reduce overall health expenditure. He called for investments in family planning, early disease detection, and vaccination to prevent costly and treatable health conditions. Despite the formidable challenges posed by climate change, limited resources, and conflicts, Dr. Gitahi urged African governments to adopt innovative and cost-effective strategies to achieve universal health coverage. Emphasizing the need for efficient resource utilization and preventive healthcare interventions, Dr. Gitahi suggested that investing in public health initiatives and tackling the root causes of health issues are vital steps towards realizing UHC in Africa. In conclusion, the road to universal health coverage in Africa is fraught with obstacles, but with strategic planning, collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector, and a focus on preventive healthcare measures, the continent can progress towards a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all.