As the 79th UN General Assembly convened on September 10, global attention shifted towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030 – a critical goal of the sustainable development agenda. With just over five years remaining, the focus is on strengthening health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, many of which are in Africa.
Universal health coverage aims to ensure that all individuals have access to essential health services without financial hardship. As the deadline looms, investment in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and access to diagnostics and health technologies has become paramount. Achieving UHC is a collective effort, requiring collaboration from all stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
Rethinking healthcare financing: Efficiency before expansion
While new funding for UHC remains a priority, the reality is that additional international financing may be limited. This prompts a critical reevaluation of how existing health budgets are allocated. Governments should focus on optimising available resources before seeking new funding streams. The Abuja Declaration, signed 23 years ago by the African Union (AU) states, called for allocating 15% of national budgets to healthcare. However, as of 2021, only two countries – Cabo Verde and South Africa – had met this target.
A key area for improvement is diagnostic capacity, which is essential for early detection, effective treatment, and better health outcomes. Diagnostics account for only 2% of healthcare spending in low- and middle-income countries, with a median availability of just 19% in primary care facilities. Prioritizing diagnostics, as outlined in the 2022 WHO resolution, could significantly enhance budget efficiency and healthcare outcomes.
Public-private partnerships and strategic leadership
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) has stressed the importance of building health system resilience with targeted investments to withstand future health crises. Programs such as Kenya’s managed equipment services, funded by the World Bank, showcase the potential for public-private partnerships in improving healthcare infrastructure. Governments must shift from being dominant players in healthcare delivery to focusing on strategic direction, regulation, and ensuring equity.
Egypt’s success in eliminating hepatitis C through partnerships with the World Bank and Roche Diagnostics is a powerful example of how public-private synergy can tackle significant health challenges. Similar initiatives can be replicated across Africa to accelerate progress toward UHC.
The path to 2030: A call for innovation and political will
As discussions at the UN General Assembly unfold, two key priorities emerge: optimising existing health budgets and balancing resources between diagnostics and treatment. With strong political will, efficient use of available resources, and innovative financing models, achieving UHC by 2030 is possible – especially in Africa, where challenges are vast, but so are the growth opportunities.
The road to universal health coverage requires a concerted global effort, visionary leadership, and innovative approaches to healthcare financing. By strengthening diagnostic capacity, enhancing public-private partnerships, and ensuring efficient budget use, Africa and the world can move closer to achieving health for all by 2030.
- Pamba is the executive vice president of diagnostics in Africa at Roche Diagnostics.