In the wake of declining international health aid, African nations are rallying to build self-sufficient healthcare systems. More than 20 countries, including Kenya, are gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to discuss long-term solutions for healthcare funding, particularly in light of recent reductions in US foreign assistance. This urgent conversation is unfolding as the continent faces multiple health challenges, from infectious disease outbreaks to climate-related health crises.
At the heart of the discussions is the shift from donor reliance to domestic resource mobilization. African health leaders are pushing for stronger investment in primary healthcare, innovative financing strategies, and greater collaboration between governments and private-sector stakeholders. Rwanda stands as a model, demonstrating how local funding and strategic health policies can create a resilient system that withstands economic shocks.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, underscored the importance of Africa taking ownership of its healthcare priorities. With dwindling international support, the focus must now be on leveraging internal revenue, reducing dependence on external aid, and building robust health infrastructure. Health, he argued, is not just a policy issue—it is a critical pillar of national development.
One of the most pressing concerns is the fight against malaria. With Kenya facing a Sh25 billion funding gap and the continent struggling with a $1.5 billion shortfall, malaria control efforts are at risk. The US President’s Malaria Initiative, which has contributed $500 million annually, now faces uncertainty, leaving African countries scrambling for alternative funding sources. Meanwhile, emerging drug-resistant malaria strains and the spread of Anopheles stephensi, a highly adaptive mosquito, pose an even greater challenge to controlling the disease.
Healthcare leaders stress that this funding crisis should serve as a wake-up call. For decades, international donors have provided critical support, but reliance on external aid is proving unsustainable. Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, called for a fundamental rethink in how health is financed. Investment, he stressed, must shift toward Primary Health Care (PHC)—the foundation of any strong healthcare system. Instead of focusing on costly tertiary care, prioritizing PHC ensures accessible, preventive, and community-based solutions for millions.
Beyond malaria, Africa faces mounting healthcare challenges exacerbated by climate change. Increased flooding, rising temperatures, and shifting disease patterns are putting unprecedented pressure on fragile health systems. Waterborne diseases, respiratory infections, and vector-borne illnesses are surging, demanding urgent policy responses.
Private-sector engagement is also seen as key to bridging the healthcare funding gap. Since 2019, organizations such as the End Malaria Council have worked with over 2,500 companies, reaching millions and mobilizing over $125 million in commitments. However, experts argue that much more needs to be done to harness local resources and drive sustainable healthcare funding across the continent.
Pharmaceutical innovations are another crucial element in Africa’s journey toward self-sufficiency. Companies like Novartis are investing in next-generation antimalarial drugs, responding to the alarming rise in artemisinin resistance. With trials underway in Rwanda and plans to expand to Kenya, these advancements could be game-changers in the battle against malaria.