Advancing health financing mechanisms for Africa

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Dr. Ines Hassan, Director at the Global Health Security Consortium, discussed the importance of advancing health financing mechanisms for Africa. The discussion took place at the 3rd International Annual Conference on Public Health in Africa in Lusaka, Zambia. Dr. Hassan, associated with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, highlighted the significance of the consortium in driving deliberate change to enhance the continent's preparedness for pandemics. The formation of the Global Health Security Consortium in response to the pandemic underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to address health and economic challenges brought on by such crises. The overarching goal of the consortium is to focus on an 'always on' agenda, which emphasizes continuous improvement of health systems to enhance population health and bolster readiness for future pandemics. Dr. Hassan stressed the importance of directing investments towards parts of the health system that support prevention efforts. This includes initiatives such as facilitating access to vaccinations and long-acting injectables to address non-communicable diseases like cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. A key point raised during the interview was the critical link between health and the economy. The Global Health Security Consortium advocates for long-term investments that consider the preventive agenda to realize benefits over an extended fiscal period. By aligning health initiatives with economic goals, countries can mitigate the adverse impact of pandemics on workforce productivity and overall economic stability. While discussing the global outlook of the consortium's work, Dr. Hassan emphasized that health security is a universal concern. Regardless of geographical location, the interconnected nature of health crises necessitates global collaboration to ensure collective preparedness. Pathogen surveillance, boosting clinical research capacity, and early response mechanisms were identified as vital components to enhance readiness for emergencies. Addressing the concept of health security, Dr. Hassan elaborated on the implications of viewing public health through a security lens. The interconnectedness of countries in the face of health threats underscores the need for coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to outbreaks effectively. The term 'security' in this context signifies the shared responsibility of nations to safeguard global health and wellbeing. In conclusion, the interview shed light on the critical role of the Global Health Security Consortium in advancing health financing mechanisms for Africa and beyond. By prioritizing investments in preventive healthcare measures, strengthening health systems, and recognizing the nexus between health and the economy, the consortium aims to foster resilience and preparedness against future health crises. Through collaborative and strategic efforts, the consortium is poised to drive positive change in public health outcomes and contribute to sustainable development in the region.