World Bank Pledges GHS 6.9 Billion to Boost Health Systems in West and Central Africa

The World Bank has launched a GHS 6.9 billion regional strategy. This plan aims to transform health systems in Ghana and West and Central Africa. The goal is to improve health outcomes. It also supports productivity and job creation.

This strategy was launched in Accra on Monday. It works to unify frameworks and strengthen country collaboration. Countries can make better choices with limited money. This makes their health sectors stronger.

The initiative is called “Fit to Prosper: Investing in health for jobs and development in Western and Western Africa.” It aligns with important regional plans like the Accra Reset Agenda. It also supports the World Bank Group's goal of healthcare for everyone. The plan helps countries make essential health products locally. This boosts their ability to handle health crises and creates jobs.

Countries in West and Central Africa face many challenges. Their populations are growing. Disease outbreaks happen often. Climate shocks also strain health systems. Financing for health is becoming harder to find. This strategy responds to these rising pressures.

Mr Julius Debrah, Ghana's Chief of Staff, opened the conference. He stated that health should be seen as an economic driver. He said a healthy population leads to innovation and productivity. He praised the World Bank's GHS 4.4 billion commitment to over 20 countries. He also mentioned GHS 340 million from partners. This funding strengthens health systems and pandemic readiness.

Ghana has led the global push for the “Accra Reset” agenda. This agenda calls for more national control over global health funding. Ghana will soon launch a Country Compact with the World Bank. This compact will set clear priorities and targets. It will be supported by stable domestic funding.

Ms Mamta Murthi, World Bank Group Vice President, highlighted the scale of the problem. She noted that West and Central Africa have high rates of child and maternal deaths. Nearly 60 per cent of malaria deaths globally occur in the region. One in three children under five are too small for their age. However, the region's growing population, with over 200 million children born by 2050, presents an opportunity. This population growth can unlock human potential and drive economic growth.

The strategy has three main goals. First, strengthen frontline primary healthcare. This includes providing energy, water, and digital access. It also means training community health workers. Second, shift to integrated national financing. This requires better collection of money from within countries. Third, build “Emergency-Ready Primary Healthcare.” This ensures health services continue during frequent disease outbreaks.

Ms Murthi explained the economic benefits. Investments in health can yield returns of 15 to one. Adults who received nutritional support as children earn up to 46 per cent more. Dr Robert Taliercio, World Bank Division Director, noted Ghana's progress. Ghana is one of few countries in the region achieving good health outcomes. This allows for a demographic dividend, a period of economic growth due to a younger population.

Ghana's Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged action. He wants the strategy to lead to real improvements in communities. Ghana is committed to Universal Health Coverage. Its Roadmap 2020-2030 aims to achieve this. The Free Primary Healthcare initiative will remove cost barriers. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund also supports costly treatments.