We can improve health systems in Africa

-Africa and the Cold War,  undemocratic rule and deleterious policies.  Despite this low concentration of wealth, recent economic expansion and the large and young population make Africa an important economic market in the broader global context.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light inequalities that have been around for a while in the African continent. Women, youth and vulnerable populations including refugees, migrants, indigenous people, older persons, the disabled and children still remain at risk of various inequalities.

One of the major challenges in the world is poverty and inequalities. During a parallel meeting, SDG 10 on “Reduced Inequalities” was seen to have linkages to SDG 1 on “No Poverty”, SDG 2 on “Zero Hunger”, SDG 3 on “Good Health and Well-being”, SDG 4 on “Quality Education”, SDG 5 on “Gender Equality”, SDG 8 on “Decent Work and Economic Growth” and also Aspiration 1 of African Union’s Agenda 2063 which calls for “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development”.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) offers an opportunity to increase returns from remittances but also that governments need to encourage the free movement of persons within the continent.

In Africa, women participation and representation is still a key issue with a lot of women within the continent still lacking access to equal opportunities as their male counterparts. However, a contrary example to this is the Rwandan government where over half of the parliamentary seats are held by women. This offers an encouragement to women as there is little participation of women in decision-making within the continent.

Education, health, security and climate change are key areas that need to be addressed to ensure reduced inequalities.

The UNHCR promotes inclusivity and forges partnerships in this regard with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) seeking to address inequalities. The UNHCR also supports economies which host refugees.

Yes, indeed  the UNHCR has invested in initiatives to collect data like the World Bank-UNHCR Joint Data Centre on Forced Displacement. Africa   needs for partnership for poverty reduction in the COVID-19 response.The need for Africa to produce her own vaccines was agreed to be a pressing matter. The collapse of some health and economic systems in Africa with human capital continuing to be depleted showcase the need to invest in interdisciplinary research for inclusive development. Africa also needs to close the technological capabilities gap with the pandemic showing the rural-urban digital capabilities gap.

Interventions should include  minimising taxes levied on mobile money transfer and engaging the formal sector in digitisation and reducing inequalities that arise from lack of access to water especially where women and girls are adversely affected.

However, despite the continuing challenges arising from inequalities within the continent, there is an opportunity to build back better and recover from the pandemic. Africa has a booming young population, increasing connectivity through transport and communication and increasing freedom of movement within regional blocs which offer a comparative advantage in tackling the impacts of COVID-19.