Experts drawn from the pharmaceutical industry have called for strategic partnerships between both the public and private sectors to improve healthcare delivery in the sub-Saharan region. Speaking during a conference on Improving Access to Medicines through Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa organised by Takeda, a pharmaceutical company, the team of experts noted that a majority of patients arrive too late for healthcare due to lack of awareness on health issues or lack of access to healthcare facilities.
Mr Josh Ruxin, the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Goodlife Pharmacies keynoted the conference and said there was a need to rationalize healthcare systems and channel funds toward increased access to basic health services and access to essential medicines.
“Billions of dollars have been pumped into the sub-Saharan region to combat ailments such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis often yielding tremendous results. However, the tide has changed. Other diseases, especially Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer are now the leading cause of death” said Mr Ruxin.
According to data from International Finance Corporation, sub-Saharan Africa is ranked as having the worst health on average in the world. The region has 11 percent of the world’s population but carries 24 percent of the global disease burden.
Mr Ruxin noted that in Kenya alone, Non-Communicable Diseases account for more than 50% of total hospital admissions and over 55% of hospital deaths. Disease such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes are becoming commonplace due to more sedentary lifestyles and shifts in eating habits. Sadly healthcare is increasingly become an economic burden to the family unit and a leading cause for emerging consumers to fall back into poverty.
[crp]
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