Collaborations between the Afro-Caribbean and African regions in healthcare have become increasingly vital, driven by a shared aim to improve access to quality healthcare. These initiatives are being advanced by the expertise of the African diaspora, playing a crucial role in bridging gaps and strengthening health systems in their home countries.
The Impact of HeDPAC
One of the most significant collaborations is the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), launched in 2023. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the initiative focuses on key areas such as maternal and child health, climate-resilient healthcare, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa accounted for only 1% of global health expenditure in 2021, despite bearing 24% of the global disease burden. Through HeDPAC, investments are projected to increase healthcare workforce training by 20% in both regions, particularly aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates, which remain a critical challenge in both Africa and the Caribbean.
HeDPAC has been allocated $100 million over the next decade to concentrate on primary healthcare, pharmaceutical technology transfer, and workforce training in both regions. This substantial investment aims to enhance healthcare outcomes, with a special focus on reducing maternal mortality, which remains alarmingly high in sub-Saharan Africa, at 534 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to a global average of 211 per 100,000.
By addressing these urgent healthcare needs, HeDPAC is poised to make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. With a commitment to sustainable development and partnership-building, it aims to empower healthcare workers, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote access to quality healthcare for all.
The African Diaspora Health Initiative (AfDHI)
The African Diaspora Health Initiative (AfDHI) is another leading programme aimed at mobilising African healthcare professionals abroad to support healthcare systems across Africa. AfDHI primarily focuses on rural and underserved communities, tackling critical healthcare shortages that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Achievements and Investments:
- AfDHI has invested $50 million in healthcare projects across 15 African countries, with an emphasis on constructing clinics in rural areas.
- In 2022, its telemedicine programme reached 45,000 patients, delivering healthcare to remote regions with limited hospital access.
- More than 300 healthcare professionals from the diaspora have volunteered in underserved communities, contributing to improvements in maternal health, childcare, and disease control.
Major Initiatives Led by the African Diaspora
The Safe Motherhood Project
Launched by African healthcare professionals in the diaspora, the Safe Motherhood Project focuses on maternal and neonatal health in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Since its inception in 2019, the project has raised over $20 million for maternal health interventions and trained more than 1,500 midwives across Africa.
The African Diaspora Health Network (ADHN)
The African Diaspora Health Network (ADHN) brings together African medical professionals abroad to enhance healthcare services in Africa. Between 2020 and 2023, ADHN provided $10 million worth of medical equipment to hospitals across the continent. Additionally, it has established community health centres in rural areas of Ghana, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, increasing access to primary healthcare for underserved communities. The organisation also trains over 1,000 healthcare workers annually, in collaboration with local medical institutions and governments.
Diaspora Volunteer Medical Corps (DVMC)
The DVMC mobilises diaspora doctors and nurses to spend two to four weeks each year working in underfunded hospitals across Africa. Since 2020, 2,000 medical professionals have been deployed to regions in need, serving approximately 100,000 patients. With over $15 million in donations, the initiative has provided essential medical supplies and services to these communities.
Financial and Social Impact
The contributions of the African diaspora extend beyond volunteerism. Their remittances and investments play a crucial role in financing healthcare systems. According to the World Bank, African diaspora remittances reached $49 billion in 2021, a portion of which was directed towards health infrastructure. For example, Nigeria received an estimated $20.9 billion, with 5% allocated to healthcare and education. Other major recipients include Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia, all of which have benefited from improved hospital infrastructure and healthcare technology through diaspora investments.
Global health organisations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Fund have acknowledged the growing influence of these partnerships, aligning their resources with diaspora-led initiatives to further support healthcare improvements.
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Future Prospects
Despite the progress made, challenges remain, including funding gaps, inadequate infrastructure, and the ongoing issue of brain drain. However, the rise of Afro-Caribbean and African collaborations, such as HeDPAC, offers hope. By adopting South-South cooperation models, both regions can harness their collective strengths to drive meaningful change in global health.
In the coming decade, it will be crucial to maintain momentum by securing increased financial commitments from international health bodies and fostering stronger ties between governments, diaspora groups, and non-governmental organisations. By focusing on areas such as maternal health, disease control, and healthcare infrastructure, these collaborative efforts have the potential to create a lasting impact on global health outcomes.
