Update

Prominent African leaders and stakeholders spoke about the importance of national funding for health during a high-level side event at the African Development Forum, held in Marrakesh, Morocco, from 12 to 16 October. The participants at the side event, A New Paradigm in Health Financing, agreed on the urgent need to adopt innovative financing mechanisms for health. The focus of funding for health is shifting in Africa from a reliance on international funding to an emphasis on sustainable domestic investment. This will involve increasing domestic resources and spending funds strategically.

Speakers pushed for a new financial model, one built on shared responsibility and partnerships rather than charity. Participants called for increased domestic health spending that can be sustained over time to address health priorities in Africa. In their view, developing innovative financing solutions and making smart investments for better health returns would put Africa in a position to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Three strategic action pillars were identified to fast track the implementation of priorities: health governance, diversified financing and access to medicines. The continent is already moving in the right direction, participants noted. Several countries are developing more robust, inclusive and results-focused national strategies and related investment cases that provide a solid framework for domestic investments in health.