A landmark initiative, the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), has launched, marking a pivotal step towards strengthening South-South health cooperation between the two regions.
This partnership, born from the stark realities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to address the inequities in healthcare access and outcomes faced by developing countries, particularly for women and children.
The pandemic highlighted the fragility of health systems, especially in vulnerable regions. HeDPAC seeks to turn this crisis into an opportunity by focusing on three key areas:
- Building a stronger health workforce: HeDPAC will invest in training and development programs for healthcare professionals across Africa and the Caribbean, ensuring communities have access to qualified personnel.
- Sharing innovative solutions: By fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration, HeDPAC will promote the adoption of successful healthcare models in primary care, with a particular focus on climate resilience and maternal and child health.
- Promoting self-sufficiency: HeDPAC will champion initiatives that empower countries to become more self-reliant in healthcare. This includes facilitating technology transfer for pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthening regulatory capacity, and ultimately, achieving universal health coverage for all.
Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, a global health expert with extensive experience in antimicrobial resistance, takes the helm as HeDPAC’s first CEO. His leadership is bolstered by the unwavering support of prominent figures like President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, who champion the initiative’s mission.
“COVID-19 exposed the cracks in our healthcare systems,” remarked President Kagame, emphasizing the urgency for action. “HeDPAC is our chance to rise to this challenge and build a more equitable and resilient future for all.”
Prime Minister Mottley echoed this sentiment, calling for collective action to rectify the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. “HeDPAC represents a beacon of hope and a shared responsibility to ensure healthcare access becomes a universal reality, not a privilege,” she stated.
The establishment of HeDPAC is not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a crucial step towards a more equitable global health landscape. Professor Senait Fisseha, Vice President of the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, captured this essence, saying, “Through this partnership, we stand to empower vulnerable communities and build a future where healthcare is a fundamental right, not a distant dream.”