Health is not a cost. It is an economic asset.
That was the clear message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Health Financing in Tangiers, Morocco.
The forum was held alongside the Fifty-Eighth Session of the ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
In his remarks, he stressed that Africa must rethink how it finances health care. Strong health systems, he said, are essential for economic growth, resilience, and the protection of national sovereignty.
He warned that the current model is not sustainable. It relies too heavily on low public investment and high household out-of-pocket payments. This situation, he noted, continues to push many people into poverty when they fall ill.
With rising debt and increasing fiscal pressure across countries, he said, reforms can no longer be delayed.
“The time for reform is now,” he stated.
He called for a more integrated approach. Health financing, budget reform, digital governance, and regional cooperation should be better aligned to deliver results.
He also highlighted the role of continental institutions such as the Africa CDC and the AfCFTA. According to him, these platforms are key to improving preparedness, reducing costs, and strengthening Africa’s capacity to produce its own medicines and vaccines.
He concluded with a strong call for action. He urged countries to move beyond discussion and form a coalition committed to practical, time-bound, and measurable commitments.
For him, the message is clear: health must sit at the centre of Africa’s development and sovereignty agenda.
Source: Press release on the African Union Commission (AUC) website detailing the High-Level Forum on Sustainable Health Financing. (African Union)