Health experts from across Africa have called for a multi-sectoral approach to address health inequities, emphasizing that achieving universal health coverage (UHC) requires collaboration across different sectors.
Speaking at the inaugural Regional Health Promotion Conference, hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Health in partnership with other health stakeholders, experts revealed that at least half of the global population struggles to access quality healthcare due to affordability, accessibility, and health illiteracy challenges.
The conference, themed “Empowering Communities for Inclusive Universal Health Coverage Through an Intersectional Approach,” placed a spotlight on the challenges facing the Social Health Authority and the need for targeted interventions.
Delegates noted that health illiteracy remains a major barrier to UHC, as many people lack awareness of available health services and their rights to healthcare.
Experts urged African governments to prioritize investment in primary healthcare, stressing that empowering communities with knowledge and resources would lead to more equitable health systems.“Achieving universal health coverage is not just about expanding services, but ensuring that people can access and utilize them effectively,” one of the delegates remarked.
The conference marks a significant step toward shaping policies aimed at strengthening health systems across Africa, with stakeholders pledging to work together in advancing health equity and accessibility.
