Africa-Press – Botswana. Building resilient and robust health systems is vital to effectively address current and future health challenges in Africa, says WHO country representative, Dr Josephine Namboze.
Giving an overview on the objectives and technical aspects for the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC73) during a media engagement in Gaborone recently, Dr Namboze said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing weaknesses in health systems across Africa thus, RC73 aimed to address various critical health challenges facing the region.
“These challenges encompass a wide range of topics, from infectious diseases to universal health coverage, health systems strengthening and emergency preparedness and response,” she stated.
Dr Namboze explained that the committee would therefore, convene to deliberate on strategies, policies, and partnerships that would enhance health outcomes across the continent.
“Deliberations will also focus on strengthening health systems’ resilience, enhancing healthcare workforce capacity, and improving access to quality essential health services,” she said further stating that key topics to be covered under strengthening health systems in Africa included discussions on the regional strategy 2023–2032 on diagnostics and laboratory services and systems, for the WHO African Region.
“This strategy aims to provide equitable access to accurate, reliable diagnostic testing, which is limited in the region, leading to frequent misdiagnosis of diseases and conditions,” said Dr Namboze.
She also indicated that antimicrobial resistance was a significant global health threat, and Africa was not an exception.
“RC73 through the regional strategy for expediting the implementation and monitoring of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance, 2023–2030 in the WHO African Region will address the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat it,” stated Dr Namboze.
She said the potential of digital health technologies to transform healthcare delivery would also be examined, including ways to harness innovation to improve health outcomes and strengthen health information systems.
Malaria, Dr Namboze said remained a significant public health concern in Africa and so, ‘discussions will focus on finding sustainable financing solutions to strengthen the Malaria response in the region as financial resources play a crucial role in malaria control, prevention, and elimination efforts.’
RC73 conference will be held in Gaborone from August 28 to September 1.
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