31 Aug 2023

World Health Organisation (WHO) African member states have adopted a framework for health systems to achieve universal health coverage as well as promote health security in the  African region..

Member states adopted the document after the secretariat proposed actions with considerations at the ongoing 73rd Session  of WHO Regional Committee for africa (RC73).

Universal health care was one of WHO’s largest initiatives on international cooperation for universal health coverage and primary health care.

The document assets that the stability and prosperity of nations is dependent on investments made to fulfill the fundamental human rights to health.

All WHO Africa region member states re-affirmed their commitment and said it would present opportunities to promote a comprehensive and coherent approach to health focusing on strengthening health systems.

Like other member states, Botswana welcomed the proposed framework.

Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe said Botswana recognised that its adoption would bring African countries closer to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 by 2030.

Mr Lelatisitswe pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted weaknesses in health systems worldwide, including Botswana. He said it led to inefficient, inequitable and disruptive service delivery at a critical time.He said it was time to create health systems that could withstand any upsets and ensure a sustained quality and equitable service delivery for all.

He said investment in public health at all levels was imperative and that Botswana appreciated the availability of WHO and Africa CDC to collaborate and assist member states in ensuring that investments were made.

Mr Lelatisitswe also advocated for a coordinated and needs-based funding system for the development of public health functions.

He said owing to the experiences of COVID-19, Botswana strongly supported continental coordination to ensure timely and sustainable countermeasures in response to pandemics.

He said Botswana was one of the African countries that had lost skilled workforce to countries with the capacity to provide better working conditions and remuneration.

He pointed out that it disrupted efforts to provide adequate health service which calls for innovative health delivery models.

Almost all African member states said they had resilient health care mechanisms that prioritised primary health care to achieve regional health cover in line with the WHO 2023 -2030 agenda.

They called for increased funding to address the growing health crisis and to reduce burden on society.

The Algeria representative said ensuring equitable access required transformation on how health was funded, managed and delivered so that services were centred around the needs of people and communities.

His South African counterpart said they would prioritise health action post COVID-19 in a manner that allowed acceleration of progress towards universal health coverage.

He said prior to COVID-19 there was worldwide progress towards universal health coverage and that the proposal was timely.

Universal health coverage aims to ensure that all people have access to health services without suffering financial hardships.

The goal is to provide health care to all people. ENDS