Many African nations need more financial support to their health systems overload by the coronacrisis in recent two years. That was the key message at the inaugural International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2021), EastAfrica reports.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said during the online conference that countries need to continue establishing the capabilities and strength of the health agencies across the continent. The official added that the Omicron variant proved the pandemic was far from over.
The Rwandan President insisted on the importance of domestic financing. “We cannot continue to rely on external funding for something as important as health, and instead, we must invest much more in research,” he said.
Kagame also urged the African governments to invest in its health systems, manufacturing, as well as building trust in its population. It is equally essential to work together as a continent.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the director at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa regional office, echoed the words of Kagame. The official said to create health systems that are fit, public health capacities in the region must be strengthened. She added that the global health regulator was committed to working with the African Union (AU) and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
“Creating a new public health order involves investment in creating resilient health systems, not just for the pandemic, but also for the future,” Moeti said, adding that data and information systems will be important moving forward.
