Overview
The panel will articulate a variety of approaches to creating a more African-derived and African-driven approach to healthcare and healthcare delivery for the continent including a locally driven healthcare program in Burkina Faso and other examples of locally derived healthcare solutions. The panel will discuss the use of models using indigenous resources to achieve healthcare programs, and the role of corporate partnerships and international donor programs supporting this perspective will be highlighted.

Speakers

• Robert Mallett, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Inc.
• Dr. Leslie Mancuso, President and CEO, JHPIEGO
• Dr. Rita Wutoh, Healthcare Consultant, Angelo Mida Inc.
• Dr. Desmond Johns, Director, UNAIDS New York Office

Moderator
Marty Bond, Senior Advisor, Major Gifts for the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA)

Summary
It is in Africa’s best interests to develop a more African-derived and African-driven approach to healthcare and healthcare delivery, which necessitates community-level mobilization as well as participation by the public and private sectors. Collective action by African governments at the regional level (coordination across country borders) and increased government accountability will create a foundation for an African-driven approach. Involving community members and organizations in the creation and development of a healthcare approach, as well as establishing local reforms supporting equity and private sector development will create trust among the stakeholders. Multi-sector partnerships will be the most effective way to implement a tiered level of service provision and provide necessary access to minimal levels of care by building upon the existing service delivery models.

Next steps

• HIV/AIDS must be viewed as a development issue, not solely as a health issue.
• Development of the private sector is essential to the sustainability of an Africa-driven healthcare model.
• Debt relief must be linked to health and education outcomes/indicators in order to confirm that it is really is having an impact on the economy. Currently, there is very little accountability of this process, especially on the part of the government.
• Mobilization on the local level will occur if community values are respected; and if members understand the impact of their contribution and are empowered make a difference.
• Traditional healers and birth attendants must be included in the development of healthcare solutions. It is equally important to establish agreement about the roles of these stakeholders (i.e., when their services are needed and when they should hand off responsibility).