Investing in Africa’s health sector vital for continent’s growth outcomes

The health sector in Africa is facing a critical juncture, with significant funding required to combat high mortality rates that are hindering GDP progress in multiple economies on the continent. Urgent investments are crucial in preventing maternal deaths and reducing reliance on the importation of medicine. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Etienne Langlois, Team Lead: Knowledge Synthesis at the Partnership For Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), to delve deeper into this pressing issue. Langlois highlighted the urgent need for action, emphasizing the importance of scaling up proven interventions to address the challenges facing Africa's healthcare systems. Langlois emphasized the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Africa by 2030. One of the key priorities within the SDGs is the prevention of maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman before, during, or after childbirth. Although there has been a 40% decrease in maternal mortality globally since 2000, there is still a long way to go to meet the SDG targets. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to address this inequitable distribution. The economic consequences of high maternal mortality rates are profound, affecting not only families but also communities, healthcare systems, and national economies. The impact extends to children who are more likely to face educational challenges, malnutrition, and health issues after losing their mothers. Maternal deaths also have a significant impact on child mortality, exacerbating the burden on low-resource settings and hindering economic productivity and growth in the long term. The costs associated with maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as the burden of care on families left behind, contribute to a cycle of poverty and economic challenges. Despite these challenges, there are areas where success has been achieved and opportunities for further investment exist. Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal deaths in Africa, yet essential commodities like Oxytocin and heat-stable carbitocin can effectively prevent and manage this condition. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving the quality of medicines, and enhancing supply chain management are critical steps to addressing maternal mortality. Additionally, reducing Africa's reliance on imported pharmaceuticals through innovative approaches like the African pool procurement mechanism can enhance self-sufficiency and resilience in the healthcare sector. In conclusion, investing in Africa's health sector is not only a moral imperative to save lives but also a strategic move to drive economic development and growth on the continent. By accelerating efforts to prevent maternal deaths, improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting local pharmaceutical production, Africa can unlock its full potential and pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.