Ruto calls for Africa’s self-reliance in health care at Global Summit

At the launch of the Programme for Investment and Financing in Africa’s Health (PIFAH), President William Ruto highlighted the urgent need for Africa to become self-sufficient in its health care systems. 

Speaking at the Summit of the Future in New York on Monday, Dr Ruto reflected on Africa's historical role in global crises, particularly during the recent pandemic.

“We are at a pivotal moment as nations gather to shape our shared future. The Pact signed at this Summit commits us to break free from past limitations and offer hope to the next generation,” Dr Ruto remarked.

He urged African nations to reduce dependence on foreign aid, especially in vital areas such as health care.

“Our people's health, the energy of our youth, and the stability of our societies rely on it,” Dr Ruto emphasized, advocating for locally-driven financial solutions to tackle health and food security challenges.

He criticised traditional global financing methods as outdated, stressing the need for Africa to break the cycle of dependence and chart its own development course. 

As the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, Dr Ruto committed to exploring new ways to attract investments in health care and other critical social sectors.

Kenya’s President also emphasized the importance of partnerships to provide every African with an AI-powered Digital Health Wallet and strengthen local production of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.

He warned, however, that sustainable progress relies on innovative funding models.

“Africa’s rise depends on securing capital to build the health infrastructure our continent desperately needs,” he said.

He praised AUDA-NEPAD’s role in developing the PIFAH initiative and expressed hope that other African leaders would rally behind it, seeing it as a transformative step toward revolutionising Africa’s health care sector.