Stakeholders develop allocation framework to address healthcare challenges in Africa

Global leaders and stakeholders participating in the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 pledged their commitment to developing a resource allocation framework to address healthcare challenges across the continent.

The summit, jointly convened by Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, was held in Lagos and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

ASIS 2024, the largest hybrid gathering of African development leaders, highlighted the critical role of the private sector in promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.

Speaking on the theme “Sustainable growth must embrace climate resilience, technology and private sector innovation”, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called on participants to re-engage with the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on inclusiveness, impact and inspiration.

Sterling One Foundation CEO Olapeju Ibekwe emphasized the need for collaboration, saying, “No single entity can address the multifaceted challenges we face. Through partnerships, we can leverage diverse expertise and resources to address issues from healthcare to climate resilience.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also emphasised government’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to sustainable development.

Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman noted that “creating a marketplace for social impact means ensuring information, trust and efficient allocation of resources.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled the ‘THEMES PLUS’ initiative, which promotes development in key sectors, emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships.

On behalf of the Vice President, Kashima Shettima, the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on the Business Encouragement Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, called for a paradigm shift in thinking about the economy.

She argued that “now is the time for action; we need to move beyond rhetoric and focus on solutions with tangible impact. Africa can lead the way in a new model that balances prosperity, environment and equality.”

A significant event was the “Bold Actions Meeting” where 15 health commissioners from different states of Nigeria gathered to focus on healthcare challenges. Aliko Dangote Foundation CEO Zouera Yousouffou addressed the need to move from diagnosis to intervention, saying: “Africa does not have the necessary resources or organizational framework to address health challenges.”

ABC Health CEO Mories Atoki pointed to politicization of partnerships as a major barrier. Nigerian Economic Summit Group CEO Dr. Tayo Aduloju stressed the importance of delivering tangible results instead of empty promises

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi emphasised the fundamental importance of moral leadership and education, noting that leaders do not just emerge; they are formed through education and training.

The summit facilitated new partnerships to address health, climate resilience and economic empowerment. Participants committed to implementing plans, including developing a resource allocation framework and initiatives to integrate displaced people into the workforce.