by admin | Apr 19, 2025 | africa, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, public health
The leading public health organization in Africa intends to seek additional funding from local sources to safeguard the progress achieved in the last twenty years regarding disease outbreak readiness and management, due to a significant reduction in international assistance.
As official development assistance (ODA) for Africa has decreased by 70% in recent years, it has become evident that there is now a significant shortfall in healthcare financing. This situation is exacerbating the strain on vulnerable health systems.
Throughout history, Official Development Assistance (ODA) has played a crucial role in cutting the under-five mortality rate by half from 1990 to 2019. This assistance expanded access to routine vaccinations and bolstered HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives, which currently offer antiretroviral therapy to more than 18 million individuals throughout Africa. Additionally, ODA facilitated swift reactions during significant healthcare emergencies like the Ebola epidemic in Western Africa.
The reduction in funding parallels an upsurge in disease outbreaks. From 2022 to 2024, the continent experienced a 40% surge in recorded public health crises. There are ongoing worries regarding the resurgence of viral hemorrhagic diseases like Ebola and Marburg. Additionally, climatic disruptions—spanning everything from flooding to extreme heat—are generating fresh health threats, particularly in areas with limited capacity for response.
“Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), pointed out that we are grappling with several challenges related to managing debts and relying heavily on imported medical supplies. These combined issues pose a significant threat to Africa,” he stated.
This issue presents a larger challenge for Africa’s health security framework, yet efforts are underway to address the funding instability. The Africa CDC has encouraged African Union member states to embrace a fresh phase of healthcare investments. Dr. Kaseya suggests a tripartite approach aimed at boosting sustainability and decreasing dependence on outside funders, as detailed in her recent publication.
He is calling on African Union Member States to increase their domestic funding for public health. Only two countries currently meet the Abuja target of allocating 15% of national budgets to healthcare. Domestic commitment is essential to safeguarding health systems against the volatility of international funding, he notes. “We need to have a costed strategic plan and a national financing plan. We need to push for more alignment of external resources,” said Dr. Kaseya.
Secondly, the Africa CDC is seeking innovative financing strategies. This includes establishing the Africa Epidemics Fund, which debuted its operational framework in February 2025, serving as a consolidated asset for readiness against emergencies and swift responses. Additionally, the organization is investigating options like an aviation levy or collective solidarity taxes aimed at generating a consistent source of finance for managing disease outbreaks.
Thirdly, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) aims to strengthen partnerships with charitable organizations and businesses. This initiative seeks to secure sustained funding for vital infrastructures such as regional vaccine manufacturing facilities, digital healthcare platforms, and distribution channels. To achieve these goals, Africa CDC has introduced the African Pooled Procurement Service designed to reduce expenses and enhance availability of crucial medical supplies throughout the region.
In order to facilitate the mobilization of internal resources and explore innovative financial strategies, Africa CDC seeks an investment of $43 million. This sum will help implement their initiatives, ensuring significant advancements towards achieving lasting healthcare financing throughout the region.
“The document outlines a comprehensive budget plan for every area of support. This includes funding for technical aid in formulating costed national healthcare strategies, setting up an AU-managed tracking tool, executing the trial aviation levy, as well as crafting and expanding novel and mixed financial models,” states the report on health financing.
Stirring up wider backing, Dr. Kaseya spearheaded an important diplomatic delegation to the United States, Norway, and Denmark. During their visit to Washington, D.C., he and his team held meetings with US legislators, USAID representatives, officials from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as prominent charitable organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. The purpose of these discussions was to underscore Africa CDC’s crucial position in ensuring worldwide health safety and to seek sustained assistance amid financial constraints faced by funding nations.
“Investing in public health in Africa is equivalent to investing in worldwide stability,” stated Dr. Kaseya during his trip to the United States. “The advancements made in Africa should not be undone due to short-term financial limitations faced by collaborating nations.”
According to Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Principal Advisor to the Director General and the Continental Incident Manager for Mpox, what might appear as a significant obstacle could actually turn out to be a crucial chance.
“Africa CDC is utilizing reductions in international funding to promote sustainable healthcare financing — encouraging local investments, opening up new funding avenues, and constructing robust systems for Africa’s future,” states Dr. Ngongo.
Discussions held in Norway and Denmark with governmental and developmental authorities revealed a mutual desire to enhance healthcare infrastructure. Although concrete financial pledges remain pending, both nations expressed robust political backing for achieving the long-term goals of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
While visiting Norway, Dr. Kaseya endorsed a fresh Memorandum of Understanding linking the Africa CDC with the Kingdom of Norway. This agreement zeroes in on bolstering capabilities, improving data utilization for informed decisions, and utilizing DHIS2—an open-source system designed for gathering, documenting, examining, and sharing both aggregated and individual-specific information—to support nationwide and cross-border illness monitoring efforts.
During these meetings, Dr. Kaseya stressed that Africa is looking for partnerships rather than charity. He stated, “Our request is for solidarity and joint investment.” According to him, what they are establishing serves as a barrier protecting both Africa and the globe.
Dr. Ngongo emphasizes that complaining won’t solve anything. He states, “Instead of just reacting, we must consider how to adapt proactively should this become the standard scenario—how can we stay competitive within these parameters? How do we implement necessary changes on our end so that we can transform current challenges into opportunities for Africa? Our approach has been focused on turning potential obstacles into chances for progress. For this reason, we’re implementing a fresh strategy—one that focuses on enhancing internal financial resources, exploring novel funding methods such as solidarity surcharges and excise duties, and attracting investments from the private sector. We view this not merely as a hurdle but also as an opportune time to redefine healthcare financing across the continent.”
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw an enhancement in their funding efforts aimed at strengthening their capacity to respond to disease outbreaks and combat illnesses continent-wide. This advancement was supported by two African presidents on March 14.
On February 15, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola assumed the leadership of the African Union (AU) during the inaugural ceremony for the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
President Lourenço praised the significant achievements of the Africa CDC in promoting the continent’s public health goals, linking them closely with economic development and employment generation, as well as safeguarding the security and welfare of all African citizens.
He mentioned that Africa CDC is crucial for enhancing the continent’s ability to address new health risks swiftly and efficiently.
“The pivotal role this organization has undertaken has established an admirable benchmark in disease monitoring, prevention, and management, significantly enhancing both regional and international public health safety. I pledge ongoing and robust backing for Africa CDC, enabling you to effectively fulfill your crucial mission,” stated President Lourenço.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who likewise toured the Africa CDC during the same visit, urged AU member states to enhance their joint commitment towards bolstering the Africa CDC into a leading public health organization. “We must collectively fortify this entity alongside our partners,” stated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He further appealed to other African leaders to unite in transforming the regional public health body into an exemplary institution dedicated entirely to improving healthcare throughout the continent.
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by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | government, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, public policy
New health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has committed to the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) while promising to eliminate fraudsters who he says are derailing the government agenda of prioritizing health for all.
When he assumed responsibility for the health portfolio, Duale stated that he has complete support from President William Ruto to ensure that the health sector improves for everyone’s benefit. He praised the groundwork laid by former Cabinet Secretaries Susan Nakhumicha and Deborah Barasa.
Duale asserts that certain people and organizations profited from the former NHIF system and are now hindering the adoption of the new Social Health Authority and Insurance scheme. He emphasizes his role as a bulldozer set to remove obstacles for those attempting to impede the government’s plans.
Duale has pledged to collaborate with labor unions to seek mutually agreeable resolutions that would move them from the streets to the boardroom, which he feels is crucial for addressing these matters.
The new CS asked for support from Kenyans, assuring them that the president’s pet project would work to solve the myriads of issues that have also led a majority to hold harambees to cater for healthcare.
Duale has announced an increase in the ICU and HDU limits to Sh28,000 daily, with the oncology limit being elevated to Sh550,000.
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by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | emergencies, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
MANILA, Philippines — Representative Wilbert Lee of the Agri party-list said
has highlighted issues with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), following grievances from several patients regarding its purported inability to enforce the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) program, long after it was supposed to take effect.
“We aim to avoid misinformation, particularly concerning healthcare services. It’s crucial we don’t offer misleading promises regarding benefits to our countrymen who have for too long been denied the care they truly merit—particularly since PhilHealth possesses billions in resources meant to serve them,” stated Agri Rep. Wilbert Lee.
Lee penned a letter directed at PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado aiming to get clarity on the matter.
In his letter dated March 23, the party-list representative referred to the billing statements of two patients from two different hospitals. Both showed that PhilHealth did not cover any costs related to the emergency room services, indicating that the OECB package was neither respected nor enforced.
“It is unfortunate and intolerable that even after the formal declaration from PhilHealth, this ‘outpatient emergency care service’ remains non-functional and inaccessible to PhilHealth members at numerous—if not all—hospitals nationwide,” Lee stated.
In a communication with SANGGRALOKA on Thursday, PhilHealth affirmed that all members have access to the OECB package at all Level 1 through Level 3 certified hospitals beginning February 14th.
READ:
Philhealth Removes 45-Day Benefit Limit Rule to Enhance Member Care
READ:
Legislator pushes for an additional 30% boost in PhilHealth benefits
No separate accreditation
“It also states in PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009… that a distinct accreditation is unnecessary for providing the OECB package since the capacity of healthcare facilities for this benefit was evaluated during their grant of PhilHealth accreditation,” it mentioned.
By February 28, there were 1,816 hospitals and infirmaries across the country that PhilHealth had accredited. These facilities include both government-owned and privately-run institutions.
Philhealth instructed individuals to inform them about certified hospitals failing to offer the OECB package at hotline number (02) 8662-2588; alternative contact numbers include 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, or 0917-1109812.
The OECB bundle encompasses all outpatient services and supplies offered at the emergency department (ED) and associated units within PhilHealth-approved healthcare institutions, covering care administered prior to arriving at or during transit to a medical facility.
The coverage includes patients who did not need to be admitted to the hospital, were released within 24 hours of arriving at the emergency department (ED), or passed away while in the ED.
Included in the OECB bundle of cases are symptoms such as vertigo, loose stools, continuous retching, high blood pressure, non-impact-related hemorrhaging, convulsions, intense head pain, and incidents of sexual violence.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | government, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, politics, politics and government
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to significantly reduce the Health and Human Services workforce by shutting down 13 of the agency’s departments.
Inspired by PresidentDonaldTrump
Donald Trump
The Department of Government Efficiency reports that HHS will be the next target for cuts, with the Secretary aiming to eliminate approximately 20,000 positions. This reduction would decrease the workforce from 82,000 employees to around 62,000.
On Thursday, RFK Jr. announced planned reductions at the large federal organization responsible for overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and others.
Centers for Disease Control
.
In a six-minute video, Kennedy states his intention to decrease the agency’s departments from 28 to 15 and cut down the number of regional offices from 10 to five.
We will achieve more with fewer resources. No American will be left behind,” he stated. “All these departments will be consolidated and made accountable to you, the American taxpayers and patients.
The press release regarding the layoffs asserts that this step will enable HHS to save $1.8 billion each year.
According to the statement, he intends to establish a new department under HHS named the Administration for a Healthy America. This entity will handle crucial tasks with an emphasis on ensuring ‘secure, nutritious food, pure water, and the removal of harmful pollutants from the environment.’
Kennedy Jr., who has faced significant controversy because of his views against vaccines, was appointed earlier this year to head the agency responsible for overseeing national healthcare policies, pharmaceuticals, vaccination guidelines, and crucial health-related recommendations at the federal level.
He pledged to “Restore American Health” by removing harmful additives from foods and granting greater autonomy to individuals for making personal wellness choices—such as opting for vaccinations or exploring complementary medical treatments within their healthcare options.
In his video shared on X, Kennedy mentioned that although the HHS budget has increased over recent years, we’ve seen rising incidences of cancer and various chronic illnesses. Additionally, he pointed out that even with greater attention devoted to this health organization, life expectancy among Americans has declined.
He admitted that there could be a ‘difficult phase’ during the transition as reductions are implemented and ‘red tape’ is streamlined, yet asserted that ultimately this process would ‘make the HHS more efficient.’
It seems that one of the divisions likely to be hit hardest by these cutbacks is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is expected to shed approximately 3,500 staff members. With an annual budget of $7 billion, this agency is responsible for ensuring the safety of vaccines and medications, along with overseeing most of the U.S.’s food supply and tobacco products.
A fact sheet claims that the FDA budget reductions will not “influence drug, medical device, or food evaluators, nor will they affect inspectors.”
In the upcoming rounds of budget reductions, the CDC will also see a reduction of 2,400 employees. According to the statement, this Atlanta-based department will shift its focus towards combating epidemics.
The CDC operates with a budget of $9 billion and is responsible for issuing vaccine guidelines along with efforts aimed at preventing widespread conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, they monitor cases of opioid overdose and combat outbreaks of contagious diseases—such as the present national outbreak of measles.
Following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC faced significant backlash for mandating vaccines, despite having only received emergency authorization and lacking full approval from the FDA.
Many Americans—including some working for the federal government—lost their jobs after being mandated to receive the vaccine and choosing not to comply.
The HHS plans to reduce staff by only 300 positions across the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with the department asserting that this minor decrease in personnel won’t affect any of the provided services.
Around 66 million individuals are part of Medicare, the health insurance plan designed for those who are 65 years old and above. Meanwhile, Medicaid, the program mainly aimed at assisting low-income individuals and people with disabilities, covers approximately 72 million people.
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, hospitals, israel and the middle east, medicine and healthcare
Abu Dhabi
[
UAE
On March 25 (ANI/WAM), in accordance with the guidelines set by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
UAE
has provided a financial grant totaling $64.5 million to
Al-Makassed Hospital
in
East Jerusalem
The objective of the grant is to fund operational costs, medical personnel, and improvements to the facilities.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and chairs the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, reiterated his commitment to the cause.
UAE
‘ dedication to aiding every sector of the Palestinian community.
He emphasized the significant interest and steadfast backing of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards the Palestinian people, noting this commitment.
UAE
continues to back the
healthcare
across Palestinian territories in collaboration with international organizations, especially the World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO
).
They also stressed that the
UAE
remained dedicated to empowering
healthcare
professionals to upgrade Palestinian
healthcare
organizations and fulfill the ambitions of the Palestinian people.
Tareq Ahmed Al-Ameri, Chairperson of the
UAE
Aid Agency, said, “The
UAE
works alongside global organizations and local bodies to enhance
healthcare
services in
East Jerusalem
, Gaza, and other key regions.
Al-Makassed Hospital
in
East Jerusalem
serves as an essential healthcare center, focusing on heart operations, pediatric and orthopedic departments, medical studies, and all-encompassing care
healthcare
services.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who serves as the Director-General
WHO
, stated, ”
WHO
expresses gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for supporting Al Makassed Hospital, enabling it to keep delivering crucial medical services.
UAE
‘Support enables it to be possible for
WHO
To supply the hospital with critically needed medications and equipment, enhance its diagnostic imaging capabilities, upgrade the obstetrics and gynecology unit, and assist in training more than 100 residents across eleven specialties.”
Omar Abu Zayda, the Chief Executive Officer of
Al-Makassed Hospital
, conveyed his thanks to the
UAE
For their ongoing support of the hospital. “The
UAE
His steadfast dedication to backing the Palestinians
healthcare
This sector enables us to maintain our operations and fulfill our responsibilities effectively.
“The
UAE
His support means a lot to us as Palestinians. Since its establishment by the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the organization has been crucial.
UAE
Has always supported the Palestinian people, especially those in Jerusalem. We find pride in this commitment.
UAE
His steadfast, historical, and continuous commitment to backing Jerusalem’s institutions and enhancing
healthcare
“particularly focusing on services for women and children,” he added.
Al-Makassed Hospital
in
East Jerusalem
Was officially opened in 1968 with a starting capacity of 20 beds. Nowadays, it has grown to accommodate more than 250 beds and boasts around 950 healthcare and administrative personnel.
The facility additionally provides a specialized residency program for medical education, encompassing 13 different fields of medicine recognized by both the Palestinian Medical Council and the Jordanian Medical Council. Over 540 specialist physicians have completed their training through this initiative.
Al-Makassed Hospital
caters to more than 66,000 patients across Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. (ANI/WAM)
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).
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, healthcare industry, medicine and healthcare
-
The Kenya Ministry of Health has called for applications from citizens of Kenya to occupy several open roles within the Universal Healthcare initiative.
-
The successful applicants will be employed with the State Department of Medical Services for two-year contract terms that can be renewed.
-
The vacancies posted by the ministry encompass roles such as drivers, engineers, accountants, and health informatics officers.
Japhet Ruto, who works as an editor for LIFEHACK.co.ke, boasts over eight years of expertise in finance, business, and technology sectors. He offers comprehensive analysis of economic patterns both in Kenya and internationally.
The Kenya Ministry of Health has announced 55 employment opportunities for job hunters through the State Department for Medical Services.
Under which project will the candidates be working?
On Tuesday, March 25, an advertisement appeared on both the ministry’s website and in the government publication My Gov, announcing that selected individuals would be working with the Universal Healthcare (UHC) initiative.
The ministry stated that candidates who excel in the interviews will receive two-year contracts that can be extended.
“To support the digital transformation of healthcare information technology for the Universal Health Care initiative, the State Department for Medical Services has joined forces with the Safaricom Consortium and set up a project management office to oversee the implementation of this endeavor. This venture plans to recruit qualified personnel to staff the openings within the project management office under a renewable two-year contract, as detailed below,” the advertisement stated.
What positions were announced by the Ministry of Health?
-
Project manager.
-
Technical Manager (Technical Operations) – Five Openings.
-
Technical manager (system infrastructure).
-
Project support manager.
-
Software Engineer (Design and Development) – Five Openings.
-
Software Engineer specializing in Quality Assurance – we’re looking for five individuals.
-
Software Engineer (Support and Maintenance) – Five Openings.
-
Systems Infrastructure Engineer roles – we have two openings.
-
Cybersecurity Engineer – opening for two roles.
-
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer – Need Two Candidates.
-
Network Operations Engineer – Need Two Candidates.
-
Health Informatics Officer role – we have five openings.
-
Finance officer.
-
Accountant.
-
Supplies and logistics officer.
-
HR and administrative manager.
-
Junior Engineer – Six Roles Available.
-
Accounts assistant.
-
Administrative assistant roles – two openings.
-
Driver – three positions.
-
Administrative aides – two roles needed.
How can one apply for positions at the Ministry of Health?
The ministry instructed potential and qualified Kenyan citizens to submit their applications for the open positions via its online application system.
Candidates can submit their educational and work experience documents by Tuesday, April 8.
Applicants who are interested and meet the qualifications should submit their applications via the online recruitment portal available on the Ministry of Health’s website by Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Has the government violated laws in the new healthcare procurement process?
Safaricom along with two other firms teamed up to deliver the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHITS) for the Social Health Authority, which is being led by President William Ruto’s administration.
The auditor general’s report indicated that the acquisition of the KSh 104 billion system bypassed procurement regulations.
Nancy Gathungu, the Auditor General, highlighted unfavorable terms within the procurement agreement that strip the government of control over the newly launched social health initiative.
What Ruto commented on the difficulties faced by SHA
The report came out following Ruto’s acknowledgment of the issues plaguing the Universal Health Coverage program.
At a church service held on Sunday, March 2 in Roysambu, Nairobi County, Ruto stated that despite the challenges ahead, SHA would ultimately be successful, highlighting it as one of the country’s biggest initiatives.
In December 2024, the president dismissed those who criticized the new healthcare coverage, asserting that his government would demonstrate their skepticism was unfounded by making sure SHA succeeds.
