Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Beth Dunford, has outlined the details of a new strategy that seeks to boost access to health services across the continent.
Currently in the consultation phase, the strategy entails policy dialogue and technical assistance on effective financing strategies, including expanding health insurance.
Its implementation will boost the continent’s efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which refers to good health and well-being.
She said the Bank Is poised to play a critical role as a health infrastructure financier by drawing on its expertise in infrastructure development and working with sector partners.
“The portfolio will include investment projects, results-based financing, risk-sharing instruments to leverage private sector resources, debt and equity investments in private companies, and the promotion of innovative sources of finance, such as diaspora funds.”
Dr Dunford said filling the financing gap for health infrastructure would require mobilizing finances from the private sector, development finance institutions and diaspora groups. “The Bank cannot do it without your ownership and support,” she said.
Dr Dunford delivered the message in a keynote speech at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Assembly of Health Ministers in Abuja.
Representing Bank's Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina at the event, Dr Dunford explained that the strategy focuses on three categories.
They are; primary healthcare infrastructure for underserved populations; developing new secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities alongside specialist facilities for cancer diagnosis and treatment, dialysis and pain management; and building diagnostic infrastructure for efficient and effective disease diagnosis across Africa.
“Covid-19 is a wake-up call on the central role of health systems and infrastructure for inclusive economic growth.
Developing quality health infrastructure is a triple imperative – health infrastructure is fundamental to public health, has significant economic impact, and is of strategic importance for governments,” Dr Dunford added.
Opening the meeting on behalf of Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, the country’s Health Minister Osagie Ehanire, noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of health systems and infrastructure in the sub-region.
“The challenges posed by the pandemic have strengthened our collective resolve as a region to build back better, and part of our strategy is to work together as a regional bloc. It is in this regard that we appreciate and commend the support and leadership role of our development partners such as African Development Bank Group in the development of quality health infrastructure across the continent,” the Health Minister said.
Stanley Okolo, Director General of the West African Health Organization, welcomed the Bank’s initiative to support the development of quality health infrastructure across Africa.
The African Development Bank launched a multi-billion-dollar Covid-19 Response Facility and issued a $3 billion Covid-19 bond to support the efforts of African countries to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s economic downturn not only due to COVID-19 but also excessive spending – IMF
2 mins -
Canon Miraisha Partners with SOS Children’s Villages Morocco to Empower Youth through Photography Education
18 mins -
Gunmen in Nigeria kidnap about 100 in weekend attacks
1 hour -
Aftermath of soldiers killings: Bloodbath in Delta, villagers flee, hide in forests
2 hours -
Evergrande: China property giant and its founder accused of $78bn fraud
2 hours -
All set for ‘Detor – The Rise of A Warrior Hunter’ premiere
2 hours -
Obaapanin Grace Duoduwaa aka Ogrey
2 hours -
How to heal your heart after you’ve been left
3 hours -
Joy FM’s Eastern Camp Adventure: Discoveries, experiences, excitement!
3 hours -
There are 3 types of divorced men — and only one is relationship material
4 hours -
More than 79,000 Ghanaian girls 12 -17 years married, living with men
4 hours -
Tamale water crisis forces students out of school
4 hours -
Religious leader urges participation in 2024 election; calls for support for Aflao community
4 hours -
Who followed up when Elon Musk closed Twitter’s Ghana office – Sam Georges questions government
4 hours -
‘Only God can change this place’: Haitians see no end to spiralling violence
4 hours