Investing in Health: African Countries Expand Domestic and Innovative Financing

Thursday, August 7, 2014

This week, President Barack Obama is hosting the first ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., welcoming leaders from across the African continent to discuss trade and investment, with an eye toward security, peace and democratic development. Importantly, these high-level meetings will also include discussions of the future of global health investments and the U.S.-Africa partnership in reaching an AIDS-free generation.

The recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, titled Africa in the Wider World, notes that “some of the United States’ most vital and impactful relationships with Africa are in the health sector.” To that end, this week’s summit provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made through U.S. investments in institutions such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to discuss the best way forward in improving health interventions in Africa, and to pave the way for continued economic growth in the region.

At the Summit, and looking toward the future, it’s important to remember that this kind of progress requires investments from all stakeholders. Tremendous advancements have been made against diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; however, as we move from an emergency response to one of sustainability — and as international aid begins to level out — domestic expenditures for health will become increasingly vital.

Source: Huffington Post (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Health Care
Tags
impact investing, public health