‘Stop treating health as a budget expense’ — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African governments to view healthcare not as a mere budgetary expense, but as a vital investment. He argues that bolstering health systems can bring about significant economic and social returns, while also safeguarding national resources.

Mahama points to evidence from across the continent and beyond illustrating that healthcare investment can yield substantial economic benefits. For instance, a focused package of basic emergency maternal and newborn care can generate $87 in economic and social returns for every dollar invested. He emphasizes that advancements in health outcomes have played a crucial role in driving economic growth in developing countries.

The Lancet Commission has established that falling mortality rates contributed to nearly a quarter of the total income growth in developing economies during the early 2000s. Mahama underscores the economic case for investing in healthcare, especially as traditional donor assistance to Africa is on the decline. He argues that such investment fortifies a country's financial position rather than depleting resources.

With this in mind, Mahama is urging a shift in how African nations approach healthcare financing, placing a greater emphasis on investments that can deliver long-term economic and social returns. He urges a move away from treating health as just another line-item expense in government budgets. Instead, he advocates for building factories, integrating supply chains, funding innovators, and securing citizens' futures through robust health investments.

Mahama believes that placing health investment at the heart of Africa's development strategy is essential for constructing resilient economies, protecting citizens, and securing the continent's future.