Innocent Semosa
This emerged from this year’s Africa Health Conference, which kicked off on Monday and ends today, and is being held in Cape Town, South Africa (SA).
Local volunteers, often with only basic medical training, are delivering crucial care and support, frequently without any compensation.
Martin Banda, Business Manager of medical suppliers Markus Medical in SA says much like the teachers that come on the continent, these volunteers deliver valuable care and a significant legacy.
“I think there really needs to be more of working together between specialists in our industry governments. All these role players really have got to come together because the specialists cannot make a decision to go into Mozambique or into Zambia, for instance, without the authorities giving them t access,” said Banda.
Banda also raised concern about the shortage of specialists in some countries on the African continent.
“You'll find a whole country doesn't have a vascular surgeon, for instance. So, if there is these specialists that are willing to give up their time and companies are willing to give up products, why can we not, give that access?”.
Despite the ongoing challenges with funding in the health sector across Africa, the original health advisor for United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in east and southern Africa Professor Paul Ngwakum identifies some of the positive signs for improvement.
“Well, I think there is some progress, but there is still much to be done. In terms of funding for health, we agreed as a continent to put 15% of our resources in healthcare delivery. Some countries have put maybe 8% or 9 %, some are still trailing behind, but I think there is some progress and there is much still to be,” Ngwakum said.
Ngwakum said governments have to put funds into community health delivery to reflect its value.
Delegates told Channel Africa that resilience and commitment of volunteers, alongside the efforts of regional leaders are crucial in shaping a healthier future for Africa.
--ChannelAfrica—
