China, Africa Explore Opportunities for Collaboration on Health Care for All

More than 350 health leaders from China and Africa — including government officials, academics, and representatives from the private sector and international organizations — convened in Beijing this week at the 5th International Roundtable on China-Africa Health Collaboration. 

The meeting explored how Chinese and African resources and experiences can be leveraged to mutually support greater health development.

Today, meeting participants officially published the Beijing Policy Recommendations, a document outlining how intercontinental cooperation can be strengthened to drive sustainable impact, with a focus on the theme, “Contributing to Universal Health Coverage, Expanding Access to Essential Medicines.”

Drawing on decades of joint health efforts, the Policy Recommendations called for deepened dialogue between Chinese, African and international stakeholders, increased investments in health, and alignment with African regional and national strategies. The Recommendations emphasized commitments to a variety of issues including universal health coverage (UHC) and access to safe, high-quality drugs and vaccines, as well as the need for improved government accountability through better monitoring and evaluation.

“China and Africa have a long history of health cooperation going back more than 50 years. Our partnership with Africa is focused on mutually beneficial collaboration that meets the needs of African countries while also contributing to China’s health and development,” said Dr. Ren Minghui, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC). “China has a unique role to play in supporting Africa’s health progress, thanks to our advances in R&D and production of high-quality, low-cost medicines and vaccines. These lifesaving innovations have tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact in the developing world.”

The Roundtable comes at a crucial time, as China develops its integrated strategy toward other developing countries for the next 5-10 years. The meeting provides a platform for high-level consultation between China and Africa on specific health priorities of mutual interest. China-Africa collaboration on health is an important complement to investments made by African governments and aid from traditional donors, and reflects growing South-South cooperation in a number of sectors.

“More than ever before, African countries and China have the opportunity to work together on issues ranging from infectious disease control to strong, sustainable health systems,” said H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner of Social Affairs of the African Union. “As we build on progress made across the continent and work to achieve our post-2015 health goals, international cooperation with countries like China can amplify investments being made by African countries for greater impact.”

Building on commitments made by China and African governments in the 2013 Beijing Declaration, the Roundtable focused new attention on exploring effective tactics to achieve universal health coverage, and ensuring that all people are able to obtain the health services they need without falling into poverty. Participants reflected on innovative policies for UHC in several African countries, as well as China’s domestic health reform, and explored new paths for making universal coverage a reality.