This archive report was first published on 15 October 2021.
On April 27, 2001, African governments gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, and made a landmark commitment to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector. This pledge was made in response to the pressing health needs of the continent, particularly the impact of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
Twenty years on, it is disheartening to note that many countries have not met this self-set target. However, it is worth acknowledging that some countries have made significant progress in increasing access to healthcare for their citizens. For instance, in countries heavily affected by these diseases, solutions have been found, and the number of fatalities has decreased.
So, should African Union members focus on allocating 15% of their annual budgets or prioritize accessible and affordable quality healthcare, regardless of the source of funding? Jayesh Saini suggests that governments should prioritize areas of intervention towards achieving access, equity, affordability, and quality in the health sector. He believes that governments should take stock of their achievements towards attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and assess the level of improvement in the health of the population.
According to Jayesh, a transparent assessment of the usage of financial resources set apart for healthcare is crucial. Unfortunately, government agents have been accused of losing millions of dollars through fraudulent practices, corruption, and diversion of funds from non-core issues. This highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilization of healthcare funds.
Despite the challenges, some countries have made notable improvements in specific areas. For example, Kenya has seen an increase in the penetration of both private and public healthcare providers into rural and informal settlements, improving accessibility. The introduction of various payment models, such as increased payment instalments and capitation, has also improved affordability and access to services.
However, there is still much work to be done to attain Universal Health Coverage. Countries need to prioritize a higher allocation to areas that directly impact service delivery, such as human resources, infrastructure, and supplies of drugs and diagnostics. Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of healthcare workers is also crucial, as they are the backbone of the healthcare system.
