In a recent webinar hosted by Galien Africa and REMAPSEN,health experts and health journalists gathered to discuss pressing issues related to health sovereignty in Africa. Prominent amongst them included Dr. John Nkengasong, Co-chair of the Galien Africa Prize Jury, Prof. Awa Marie Coll Seck, Chair of of the Galien AfricaForum, and Youssouf Bamba, President of the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and the Environment or REMAPSEN. The discussions revolved around health financing, research innovation, and the crucial role of local governance in achieving health sovereignty across the continent.
The forum highlighted the importance of African leadership in the health sector, with Prof. Awa Marie Coll Seck underscoring the pivotal role of increased domestic funding for health initiatives. She shared insights on the need for African governments to allocate a minimum of 15% of their national budgets to health—a goal that has seen limited success as many countries still languish at around 6% to 7%. “We cannot be sovereign if we do not have the means for that sovereignty,” she emphasized.
With a focus on the upcoming Galien Africa Prize, Dr. John Nkengasong spoke passionately about recognizing African-led innovations in life sciences and public health. He described the prize as the continent’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize for pharmaceutical research. “It’s an honor for me to serve as the co-chair of the Gallien Prize, which celebrates excellence and innovation,” Dr. Nkengasong stated, pointing out the critical role of partnerships in the continuous improvement of health outcomes across Africa.
Both leaders addressed inquiries from journalists, revealing the complex challenges faced when it comes to ensuring health sovereignty and reducing dependency on foreign funding. In response to a question regarding the role of African pharmacopoeia, Dr. Nkengasong noted the historical struggles of traditional African medicine in gaining traction, suggesting that significant investment and research are necessary to develop this area and assert Africa’s health sovereignty.
Prof. Coll Seck acknowledged the urgency presented by external funding reductions, particularly following the U.S. government’s withdrawal from many health assistance programs. “This withdrawal has been a shock but also an opportunity for us to look inward,” she remarked. She urged that while external support is vital, African nations must prioritize local funding to effectively address their health challenges.
The discussion also touched on the strategic importance of effective governance and transparency. As articulated by Seyram Abla De-Souza, a participant from Ghana, there remains a significant issue of accountability regarding how health budgets are managed, particularly when they rely heavily on foreign funds. Dr. Nkengasong called for enhanced governance structures that could better manage financial flows and support the development of sustainable health policies.
Generally, the forum served as a crucial platform for dialogue on health sovereignty in Africa, with robust discussions led by influential leaders who emphasized the necessity of self-reliance, innovative solutions, and collaborative partnerships to enhance health outcomes across the continent. The upcoming events at the Forum in Dakar are anticipated to further explore these themes and bring together vital stakeholders aimed at advancing Africa’s health agenda.
