On February 13, 2023, officials in Equatorial Guinea reported an unknown illness with symptoms similar to Ebola. They sent samples to a laboratory in Senegal that was able to confirm these were cases of Marburg virus disease. Authorities were then able to rollout a quarantine and contain the outbreak.
Thus far, Africa has relied heavily on international expertise to cope with disease outbreaks. But, by investing in Africa’s health systems and amplifying African medical expertise, we can pave the way for a more resilient future. This shift will provide new career opportunities for African researchers, medical personnel and entrepreneurs; encouraging empowerment from within their own communities to address existing public health issues head-on.
During the uncertain times of COVID-19, good news emerged out of countries like Senegal. The country’s coronavirus-related deaths remained low, and it clocked the highest rate of recovery of coronavirus patients in Africa. Faced with urgency, some African countries are answering the call to protect their communities with African solutions. However, isolated growth is not enough.
African countries must proactively engage with one another to cultivate a well-trained African medical corps to transform healthcare infrastructures and build capacity to address compounding health burdens.
Building resilient health ecosystems through cross-sector partnerships
African entrepreneurs venturing into the healthcare space face unique hardships not found in other parts of the world. While this up-and-coming field presents a wide range of possibilities to make a lasting impact, it is also fraught with risks that can significantly impact those whose lives depend on these businesses succeeding.
African entrepreneurs can find success in the health sector, but only when clinicians and those in government actively work together. A healthcare startup isn’t something that can be created on a whim: it takes diverse knowledge from multiple fields ranging from clinical care to supply chains – plus investment opportunities – for successful results. The ability of these groups to collaborate is key.
We need Africa-experienced companies, investors and institutions to build resilience in disease control and overcome the supply gaps on the continent. With this approach, cases like Senegal’s success in combating COVID-19 will be the rule, not the exception.
African governments have an opportunity to drive the development of health-tech innovations, but need to provide developers with a clear path forward and ensure that regulations create a stable environment for investors. Additionally, showcasing successful initiatives through official channels will help boost impactful projects.
The pandemic was a catalyst for growth in health tech on the continent. Now entrepreneurs and government must sustain the momentum to create health networks with expertise in disease control.
