Driving investments in East Africa’s health sector

East Africa's health sector is on the brink of a significant transformation with accelerated investments expected to pour in as the region experiences a burgeoning business environment and a rapidly expanding middle class. CNBC Africa recently engaged in a conversation with Dr. Ruth Mungai, the Executive Director of Baraka Smiles Foundation, to delve into the key trends and emerging opportunities within the medical industry. Dr. Mungai elaborated on a groundbreaking program initiated by the foundation aimed at restoring healthy smiles to over a million individuals, particularly focusing on the elderly population who often suffer from oral health issues. The initiative seeks to combat prevalent conditions like bleeding gums that lead to tooth loss, especially in rural areas where access to dental care is limited. The foundation estimates a significant investment of 50 billion Kenyan shillings to cover the cost of restoring smiles, with each smile restoration valued at approximately 50,000 Kenyan shillings. The ambitious plan involves reaching out to 200,000 people across different counties in five phases to achieve the ultimate goal of transforming 1 million smiles. Dr. Mungai highlighted the importance of this program in not only enhancing physical well-being but also in restoring confidence, hope, and vitality to those in need. By addressing prevalent oral health issues, the foundation aims to extend and improve the quality of life for individuals who have long suffered due to dental problems. Moreover, Dr. Mungai emphasized that partnering with the government in promoting preventative dental care, especially in rural areas, is crucial to ensuring widespread access to essential oral health services. By collaborating with governmental efforts and advocating for policies that support investment in oral healthcare, the foundation aims to make a significant impact in communities across East Africa. Dr. Mungai reflected on her experiences traveling across Africa, from Ghana to Egypt, and witnessing the pressing need for oral health interventions beyond Kenya's borders. She expressed her passion for addressing oral health challenges on a broader scale and emphasized the importance of collective action in bringing about positive change. However, Dr. Mungai also shed light on the growing concern of fluorosis, a condition affecting six percent of children in Africa, leading to dental and bone-related issues. She underscored the urgent need for more facilities equipped to handle the rising demand for dental surgeries and treatments, especially for those affected by fluorosis. In conclusion, Dr. Mungai's insights into the transformative potential of investments in oral health underscore a promising future for East Africa's health sector, where initiatives like the Baraka Smiles Foundation are paving the way for improved quality of life and enhanced well-being.