{"id":101252,"date":"2025-10-31T14:13:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:13:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=101252"},"modified":"2025-10-31T14:13:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:13:16","slug":"8th-galien-africa-forum-african-leaders-in-science-urge-domestic-financing-for-the-continents-health-sovereignty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=101252","title":{"rendered":"8th Galien Africa Forum: African leaders in science urge domestic financing for the continent\u2019s health sovereignty\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The fourth day of the ongoing Galien Africa Forum in Dakar is focusing on one of the most pressing questions in Africa\u2019s health agenda \u2013 how to mobilise domestic financing to achieve health sovereignty on the continent.<\/p>\n

Under the theme \u201cMobilising Financing to Establish Domestic Health Systems: Proposals and Perspectives for Achieving Health Sovereignty in Africa<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d panelists from across the region shared country experiences, challenges, and strategies to reduce dependency on external aid.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Djibouti\u2019s Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Health Minister for Djibouti, Dr. Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, shared his country\u2019s experience focusing on \u201cFinancing Health through Local Commitment\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Excited about his country\u2019s decade-long progress in strengthening its health system, he noted that 7 per cent of Djibouti\u2019s national budget is dedicated to health, complemented by a national health insurance scheme and a range of reforms aimed at achieving universal coverage.<\/p>\n

\"8th<\/figure>\n

\u201cDjibouti faces unique challenges \u2013 we are a transit country with refugee influxes and rising drug costs. But we have learned to depend on ourselves,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur Zakat system, which allows Muslims to contribute a yearly tax, has been instrumental in sustaining our local health system. Strong commitment, strong reforms, and targeted taxes are essential to achieving true health independence.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Civil Society: The Watchdog and Co-Creator\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The CEO of SpeakUp Africa, Madam Yacine Djibo, enunciated the indispensable role of civil society in ensuring both transparency and accountability in health financing. <\/p>\n

\u201cCivil society is not only a watchdog; it must also be a co-creation partner in mobilising local funds,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She cited Benin\u2019s model, where public-private partnerships have been used to raise funds for tackling basic diseases. <\/p>\n

\u201cPrivate sector engagement is critical, it\u2019s how we build resilience in our health systems,\u201d she added.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Gates Foundation\u2019s Perspective: Efficiency and Data-Driven<\/strong> Decisions <\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Director of Health for Africa at the Gates Foundation, Mrs. Cynthia Mwase, revealed that across the continent, domestic health funds are underspent by about 17 per cent. The Foundation, she explained, is helping the governments identify how to make the most of available resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019re supporting countries to extract and use data effectively, ensuring that delivery units spend funds where they\u2019re most needed,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe also focus on procurement \u2013 the two biggest cost drivers are personnel and commodities. We must track where countries source medical products to ensure quality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Cynthia commended Niger for making the most efficient use of its available health budget, calling it an example of strategic spending. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe strategies you choose in maximizing money are the choices you make,\u201d she noted. \u201cBe bold to monetize your health assets.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The Call to Action\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The discussion ended with a firm call for African nations to build self-reliant health financing systems, anchored in local innovation, community participation, and accountability. As delegates agreed, sustainable health sovereignty will only be achieved when Africa\u2019s health systems are funded, owned, and managed by Africans themselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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