Health autonomy starts with a renewed vision on the African continent

’No one will ever be truly safe until everyone is safe.’ These words, which gained worldwide attention during the corona pandemic, perfectly capture the need for solidarity and a global approach to health on all continents. In that light, the European Union would do well not to solely focus on the economic and geopolitical importance of the African continent. 

A new world order is rapidly emerging. Trump’s presidency has sharply challenged all relations. America’s decision to cut USAID’s funding has severely affected healthcare on the African continent, has shown Africa’s dependence on financial support and has made the continent rely on Europe as its biggest donor. This is a huge responsibility for Europe and comes at a time where the European Union is critically examining itself and, primarily, has to become self-sufficient in its own security, energy and competitiveness. 

However, for the major issues—global affairs such as migration, climate change and yes, also health—Europe cannot deliver without cooperating with its neighbouring countries.

The African continent wants to assume its role in the new world order and Europe has the resources and the responsibility to be a reliable partner when it comes to tackling global issues, including reliable and affordable healthcare.

The European Union should care for a long lasting, constructive partnership with the African continent. That includes investment programmes, but also sharing knowledge and providing services such as building better access to healthcare. Only sustainable cooperation can contribute to stability and an equal partnership.

Shared vision

Such a partnership begins with a shared vision for the African continent. This can become visible in various ways. First, the name ‘Africa’ ​​does not do justice to the diversity and complexity of a continent consisting of fifty-four countries and equal in size to Europe, the United States and China combined. Just as a single strategy for all of Africa fails to capture the diverse conflicts, economies and local challenges on healthcare. It is unrealistic to think that Europe can simply ‘copy paste’ its health system to an African version. Cultural values ​​influence perceptions of health.

Some countries have modern and developed health infrastructures, where national healthcare is set up and is generally accessible for the population. In other countries, we are seeing that these steps still need to be taken. For instance: Tuberculosis is still a present disease, but is perfectly preventable and treatable if the right healthcare and information is accessible. Many more examples are to be named which could be easily prevented, such as cholera, dengue, rabies and yellow fever. These diseases cost unnecessary life, cause unnecessary pain to people and are preventable with reliable and affordable access to healthcare.

Global health should be a priority in foreign policy. The European Union should stress the importance of global health and equal health access on all continents, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

Mutual benefit

When we talk about global health, it is important to remember it is not just about preventing or treating diseases. Global health is closely connected to economic well-being, the environment and safety. You cannot really look at global health on its own without thinking about these other factors, because they all affect each other. 

When countries are doing well economically, they can spend more money on healthcare, education and clean water. People who live in wealthier places usually have better access to good food, doctors and medicine. Warmer climates can spread diseases carried by mosquitoes like malaria and dengue fever to new areas. Climate change disrupts farming, which leads to food shortages and malnutrition.

Wars and political instability often break down healthcare systems and make it difficult for people to get the care they need. If we really want to improve global health, we need to look at all these factors together.

Therefore, if the EU does not support the African continent on these issues, other countries with less good intentions will gain influence. Specifically, Russia and China are strategically getting boots on the ground on the African continent. They invest in critical infrastructure, safety and security. Usually, they do this for their own strategic gains and do not ask much from these countries in return. Global healthcare is simply not their priority. 

The problem is that at this time, the EU cannot be a good alternative partner when it is competing with a bag of money from Russia or China. Humanitarian safeguards are important and cannot be overlooked, but if we want to support health systems and cooperate on climate change and safety issues, we need to reflect on how much moral demands we want to impose on our African partners. The main focus should be on mutual beneficial relationships. Support needs to be aimed at helping the African continent to become self-sufficient on healthcare. This cannot be done without listening to our African partners and to their needs and desires. Exchanging knowledge and providing services must go hand-in-hand with on the ground realities. A renewed cooperation asks for a renewed vision.