Africa cannot afford healthcare but can finance health

True health is the asset that stems from investments in education, particularly for girls, as well as in good nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation, unpolluted air, and an active lifestyle. [iStockphoto]

If you've been engaged in discussions surrounding healthcare financing in Africa, you've likely encountered the call to achieve the 'Abuja Declaration.' This declaration calls on countries to allocate and spend a minimum of 15 per cent of their annual government expenditure on healthcare.

I like the Abuja declaration because it gives a clear and measurable target, leaving little room for debate. It provides a straightforward metric to assess which countries have met the goal, those that haven't, and those worthy of celebration for their achievements. However, while the 15 per cent spending benchmark serves as a tangible indicator of a government's commitment to healthcare, it falls short in addressing the broader determinants of population health.