The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged African governments to significantly increase domestic investment in healthcare. This call aims to end preventable maternal deaths across the continent, which are hindered by inadequate and unsustainable financing.
Dr. Sennen Hounton, the UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, made this statement during a press conference. The event was held on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health Financing in Accra on Wednesday, July 23. Dr. Hounton noted that while governments show political commitment, persistent funding gaps and weak health systems undermine progress.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader economic and social development narrative, where public health outcomes are critical for human capital formation and economic productivity. Ghana, like many African nations, faces the challenge of balancing competing demands on its national budget. Improving maternal health directly contributes to a healthier workforce and reduces the economic burden of illness. The focus on domestic financing aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on external aid and build more resilient national systems.
Dr. Hounton stressed that reducing maternal mortality should not be seen as solely the health ministry's responsibility. He stated, "For far too long, we thought that maternal mortality and newborn mortality are just for the health sector. But we realised that even to have the midwives, the Ministry of Finance and Budget needs not only to appropriate money to recruit, but release this money so we can recruit and deploy." This perspective shifts the conversation to a multi-sectoral development issue.
The implications are clear: African governments must prioritize health spending in their national budgets. This requires not only allocating funds but also ensuring their efficient release and utilization. Decision-makers will need to explore innovative financing mechanisms and strengthen accountability to track progress effectively. The collaboration between UNFPA and the African Development Bank on financing instruments offers a potential pathway for countries to access necessary capital.
Many women, especially in rural and underserved communities, still lack access to quality maternal healthcare. Dr. Hounton highlighted that health facilities and skilled birth attendants are often concentrated in urban areas. This leaves peripheral regions with insufficient resources, making it difficult for all women to access life-saving interventions.
He emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms. Governments must regularly review maternal health data to assess the effectiveness of interventions. "We only make progress on what we measure," Dr. Hounton said. This involves consistent evaluation at both presidential cabinet and decentralized government levels.
Dr. Hounton also called for expanding health insurance coverage. He urged targeted support for poor and vulnerable pregnant women who are excluded from social protection schemes. He noted that many people are not part of social safety nets, or the cost of insurance is too high. Identifying and supporting the extreme poor is crucial to reducing maternal mortality rates.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Hounton expressed confidence that African countries can significantly reduce maternal mortality. This requires strengthening domestic financing, improving accountability, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services. He revealed that UNFPA is working with the African Development Bank to establish financing instruments. These combine concessional loans and grants, allowing countries to invest more in healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
Future investments in healthcare must prioritize equity. This ensures that people in remote communities receive the same access to quality healthcare as those in major cities. "As you raise capital, you need to be thinking about equity," Dr. Hounton concluded. This holistic approach is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in maternal health outcomes across Africa.