Lusaka: Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the need for greater self-reliance in financing health systems to ensure sustainability. This is especially following the recent withdrawal of international partners and donors who supported health systems in Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the defunding and underfunding of African health systems threaten and undermine progress toward strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage. Dr. Motsoaledi made these remarks during the opening of the 75th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, where African Health Ministers gathered in Lusaka, Zambia, to discuss health challenges and endorse resolutions aimed at improving health outcomes.
The current United States administration recently reduced foreign aid to Africa, affecting initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which previously supported many nonprofits in South Africa. The WHO Regional Office for Africa, serving 47 member states, is situated in Brazzaville, Congo.
Motsoaledi highlighted South Africa’s efforts to enhance domestic financial resource mobilisation through the fiscal system. He stressed the importance of investing in national health systems for sustainable development and the well-being of the population. He urged member states to prioritise health financing and explore innovative mechanisms as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals approach.
The Minister encouraged a collaborative effort to reduce dependence on external funding, strengthen health systems, and promote universal health coverage. South Africa aligns itself with priorities such as accelerating progress in the health of women, children, and adolescents and strengthening Africa’s health security.
Motsoaledi acknowledged the achievements noted in the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s report, despite financial constraints, and expressed concern over the lack of sustainable financing debate. Additionally, he congratulated Zambia on assuming the chairship of the WHO Africa Region and welcomed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janani as the new Regional Director.