Fundamental inequities exist within health systems that have a detrimental effect on the diagnosis, treatment and care that women receive. In the mission to address the complex health challenges women face in Africa, the synergy between public and private sectors have proven to be instrumental in leveraging the unique strengths and resources of both sectors, thereby pioneering advancements in women's health across the continent.
Bridging the Gap- Initiatives by Roche
The impact of public private partnerships (PPPs) in narrowing the health disparities faced by African women is undeniable. Through these collaborations, significant strides have been made in enhancing access to healthcare services, particularly in areas such as breast cancer and reproductive health.
For instance, the Government of Kenya, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and Roche have signed a partnership agreement that has unlocked financial access for women seeking breast cancer treatment. Since the signing of this agreement in 2022, NHIF members have been able to access breast cancer treatment without copayment at public hospitals.
This partnership is part of a collaborative effort to ease the financial burden of Kenyan women with breast cancer and ensure they have access to standard-of-care treatment. In partnership with the Ministry of health in Kenya and non-for-profit organisations, Roche also established “EMPOWER Clinics” that provide integrated care for breast and cervical cancer. Since it first launched in 2019, 19 clinics have been established across Kenya and provided integrated screening for over 60,000 women.
Another initiative that underscores the potential of PPPs to transform the healthcare landscape comes out of Cote d’Ivoire. A partnership between the Ivorian Government and Roche has significantly transformed breast cancer care in Ivory Coast, highlighting the effectiveness of strategic collaborations in improving public health outcomes.
Since the inception of this alliance, which equipped leading cancer centres with mammography machines and other cancer diagnostic equipment along with comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, there have been notable improvements in diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.
This partnership has facilitated widespread breast cancer awareness and screening programs, ensuring equitable access to innovative therapies and reducing breast cancer-related deaths by 25% since December 18, 2017. With a 63% survival rate over three years among the 1818 breast cancer patients treated, and an even more positive outlook for those diagnosed early, the partnership stands as a beacon of hope and a model for addressing healthcare challenges in other countries in Africa.
Looking Ahead
Through active participation in PPPs, Roche is taking significant steps in driving forward the agenda for women’s health – The Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA). ABCA seeks to address the disparities in breast cancer outcomes across the continent and has the bold ambition to radically improve survival rates so that 8 in 10 women in Africa are surviving the disease.
By bringing innovations, investing in healthcare infrastructure and empowering local communities, Roche is making contributions for sustainable health improvements that resonate with the needs of African women.
Other Public-Private Partnership Initiatives
MTIBA
MTIBA is a digital health financing platform that facilitates payments, savings and insurance coverage for low-income, individuals, particularly in Africa. Through a collaboration between public sector entities (governments and public health agencies), private sector companies (e.g. mobile network operators, healthcare providers and financial institutions) and non-profit organisations the aim is to improve access to healthcare services and address healthcare financing challenges.
For women, MTIBA plays a crucial role in improving healthcare access, affordability, and outcomes for women in Africa by providing financial assistance, promoting health education, and facilitating access to essential healthcare services and empowers women to take control of their health and well-being.
Zipline
Zipline is a company that operates drone delivery services for medical supplies, including blood, vaccines and essential medicines, particularly in remote and hard to reach areas. By collaborating with governments, healthcare providers, private sector partners, non-profit organisations, and research institutions, Zipline aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery through innovative drone technology and logistics solutions.
Zipline together with Women’s Health to Wealth, Ghana Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service are delivering urgently needed medicines, medical supplies and infection control supplies to hard to reach health facilities in Ghana.
How Can Each Sector Make an Impact Now?
The journey towards achieving comprehensive healthcare for women in Africa calls for a joint and collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
To realise meaningful impact, it is critical that we come together to harness the power of digitalization and make data-driven decisions to ensure the sustainability of health interventions. Policymakers must champion pro-innovation patient care policies that not only improve health outcomes but also stimulate economic growth.
Likewise, the private sector needs to play a strong role and should relentlessly pursue innovative solutions that can revolutionise healthcare delivery. Private companies often have access to cutting-edge innovation, digital solutions, and research capabilities. Through partnerships, they can share their expertise and collaborate with public institutions to introduce innovation, improve health information systems, and drive advancements in R&D.
Policymakers can also play an important role in creating an enabling environment that fosters sustainable PPPs. Doing so acknowledges the complexity of the healthcare landscape, encourages collaboration, and ensures that policies and regulations are designed to support long-term partnerships that drive positive outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, and the overall healthcare system. Tax incentives are often a common way to generate motivation. However, legislative change can be a more powerful tool than tax incentives for creating a favourable investment environment as it can address broader structural barriers and create a more level playing field for all investors.
Furthermore, African countries must enact policies that foster the development of a robust healthcare workforce, equipped to meet the evolving needs of the population. This includes education, training, and retention strategies that will build a resilient health system capable of withstanding future challenges. The private sector can meaningfully contribute to workforce development by providing training programs, knowledge sharing, and skill-building opportunities for healthcare professionals, thereby enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of the healthcare workforce.
Improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to healthcare services is also crucial in ensuring women have access to affordable and quality healthcare services and facilities that can ultimately lead to timely interventions and improved health outcomes. Through PPPs, governments can collaborate with private sector entities to develop healthcare infrastructure and expand access to healthcare services by building hospitals, clinics and diagnostics centres and providing essential medical supplies and equipment to underserved areas.
Private sector entities can offer financial resources, investment, and funding models to support healthcare initiatives. This includes participating in public-private financing arrangements and insurance schemes to improve financial sustainability and access to healthcare services.
The public and private sectors can leverage each other’s strengths to ensure an efficient supply chain and delivery of healthcare services. This includes the procurement and distribution of medical supplies, last-mile delivery and services to communities in need. Through PPPs, it is possible to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Additionally, both sectors should collaborate with local communities and organisations to raise awareness about health issues, promote preventative healthcare practices and encourage communities to seek timely medical care. Community engagement, awareness and involvement are crucial for ensuring the sustainability and acceptance of healthcare interventions.
Call to Action!
The time to act is now. The collective effort of individuals, organisations, and governments is crucial in paving the way for a healthier future for women in Africa. By expanding and strengthening public-private partnerships and utilising resources, fostering innovation, extending and improving quality and accessibility, strengthening health systems and guaranteeing sustainability, we can ensure that every woman in Africa has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
