Opinion

Mukhtasar Malcolm Alkali: AFRICA AND FUTURE HEALTH CRISIS

Photo taken from: Mukhtasar Malcolm Alkali/Twitter

Nov 27, 2023, 18:43

Mukhtasar Malcolm Alkali: AFRICA AND FUTURE HEALTH CRISIS

Mukhtasar Malcolm Alkali, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Medicaid Cancer Foundation, shared on Twitter:

“AFRICA AND FUTURE HEALTH CRISIS

This morning, I was scrolling through my gallery, then I found this picture of Young African boys snapped during the covid-19 pandemic.

Enough to tell you that Africa’s health system is facing unprecedented challenges, shedding light on the urgent need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure. Crisis like Covid-19 served as a wake-up call, emphasizing the vital importance of investing in healthcare services across our continent.

While grappling with the impact of the pandemic, Africa witnessed both the resilience of its healthcare professionals and the vulnerabilities of the existing health infrastructure. The need for increased investment in healthcare has never been more evident, with the pandemic exposing gaps in accessibility, resources, and preparedness.

Covid-19 pandemic paused many cancer patients accessing treatment and screening services, which yielded significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates especially in women and children diagnosed with different childhood cancers.

We will continue to urge African governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to seize this moment as an opportunity for transformation. Allocating funds to bolster healthcare infrastructure, ensuring widespread access to medical facilities, and investing in advanced medical technologies are crucial steps toward building a more robust and resilient healthcare system.

The lessons learned from the challenges posed by Covid-19 should guide a comprehensive and strategic approach to healthcare investment in Africa.

By prioritizing health services, African nations can not only better respond to future health crises but also work towards achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring the well-being of our populations.

–Mukhtasar M. Alkali
A Passionate Public Health Advocate”

Source: Mukhtasar Malcolm Alkali/Twitter