Authors: Hafeez Hamza, Nereah Riaga, and Kenneth Egwu
Photo: Hafeez Hamza (L) and Nereah Riaga (R) representing Ducit Blue Foundation (DBF) at the Amref International University 1st Primary Healthcare Congress in Nairobi, Kenya
Primary Health Care (PHC) is a comprehensive societal strategy aimed at efficiently structuring and enhancing national health systems, ensuring that health and well-being services are brought closer to communities. The Amref International University 1st Primary Healthcare Congress held between 29th November to 1st December 2023 at Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of the congress was “Aligning Practice to Evidence in Strengthening PHC for Lasting Change in Africa”. Delegates from all over Africa graced the event for panel discussions on matters pertaining to PHC. In line with the Ducit Blue Solutions vision, we registered for two of our interns; Hafeez Hamza and Nereah Riaga participating in the Ducit Blue Foundation One Health Pan African AMR Internship/Mentorship Program to participate in the congress. After a 3-Day-long transformative learning, the interns share the insights gained from the congress.
· Experience at the Congress
Participating in the congress was truly an enriching experience that offered a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the current landscape of primary healthcare. The event stood out for its diversity of sessions and the opportunity it provided to engage with experts from various fields within the healthcare industry.
The diverse sessions covered a wide range of topics, addressing critical issues and challenges that the healthcare sector is currently facing. These sessions delved into subjects such as primary health care delivery models, community health and engagement, one health, maternal and child health, nutrition, importance of community health promoters in PHC, mental health & gender-based violence, integration of technology in healthcare delivery, among many more.
· Lessons Learnt
Throughout the congress, I learned about the comprehensive nature of primary healthcare models, gaining insights into different approaches and strategies employed globally. The importance of community health and engagement was emphasized, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. The One Health perspective underscored the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting a holistic approach to healthcare. Interactions with experts from diverse fields opened up networking opportunities for me and also provided a global perspective on primary healthcare, exposing me to successful case studies and challenges faced in different contexts.
· Importance to the Healthcare System in Africa
The insights and knowledge gained during the congress play a pivotal role in addressing the distinctive challenges faced by healthcare systems across the continent. The congress’s emphasis on conducting community-based research within the primary healthcare setting reflects a strategic and insightful approach to addressing gaps in healthcare delivery. The launch of ‘The 1000 challenge’ by Professor Trudie Lang, Director of the Global Health Network, underscores a commitment to understanding the unique needs and challenges of local communities, ensuring that interventions and policies are not only evidence-based but also contextually relevant.
At the congress, Amref International University inaugurated a Center of Excellence in PHC for Africa, establishing a vibrant knowledge hub aimed at enhancing the provision of primary healthcare for populations facing resource constraints, marginalization, and fragility. This initiative is designed to tackle the distinctive health challenges present in Africa
Dedicated sessions on maternal and child health aim to reduce mortality rates, addressing a significant challenge. The focus on “one health” acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in disease prevention. Recognizing community health promoters is vital for resilient healthcare in areas with limited access. The congress commendably addresses mental health and gender-based violence, often overlooked aspects of healthcare. Discussing technology integration offers promising solutions for overcoming healthcare access challenges. Lastly, global collaboration fosters learning from international best practices, contributing to continuous improvement in Africa’s healthcare system. In conclusion, the outcomes of the congress are pivotal for enhancing healthcare in Africa. The shared knowledge and strategies have the potential to catalyze positive change, addressing systemic issues and improving health outcomes across the continent.
· Next Actions
Following the enriching insights gained from congress, my next actions involve implementing key takeaways into practical initiatives. This includes actively advocating for targeted interventions to address healthcare disparities in Africa, conducting and supporting community-based research by engaging and championing the integration of technology for improved healthcare access.
I am keen on leveraging this knowledge to actively contribute to the global fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Understanding the interconnected nature of healthcare challenges, especially in the context of infectious diseases discussed during the congress, positions me to advocate for and implement strategies to address AMR in African healthcare systems.
Additionally, I plan to utilize the connections established during the congress to form impactful collaborations and partnerships. The connections I made with various experts and different organizations will be instrumental in fostering a collective and effective response to the complex healthcare issue on the continent.
· Experience at the Congress
My experience was filled with learning and networking. There were several booths displaying healthcare products, posters showcasing published articles and breakout sessions discussing different topics. During the breaks I was able to interact with a vast range of delegates, some being students, lecturers and researchers. Through these interactions I was able to get advice on growing my career as a young Pharmacist/Antimicrobial steward and various areas of specialization.
The role of citizens’ voices in improving access to PHC services was emphasized by several delegates. Juliana Nyamupachitu from ReAct Africa held an interesting session on the importance of mobilizing youth in Africa for action on Antimicrobial Resistance. It was wonderful to see how this mirrors Ducit Blue Foundation’s vision in fighting AMR by creating awareness within Africa and beyond.
· Lessons Learnt
Professor Trudie Lang, the Director of the Global Health Network, emphasized Primary Healthcare (PHC) Strategies for One Health and Climate Change. The escalating pace of global warming, climate shifts, and migration amplifies the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. To effectively combat these challenges, collaboration among human, animal, and environmental scientists is imperative. Establishing platforms for interdisciplinary cooperation is vital in fortifying PHC systems. This collaborative approach enhances our capacity to detect and promptly halt disease outbreaks, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health across species and ecosystems. Professor Lang’s insights underscore the urgency for a united front in the face of evolving health threats posed by climate change and its ripple effects on global well-being.
· Importance to the Healthcare System in Africa
The congress emerged as a remarkable nexus, uniting representatives across the continent and diverse sectors. This convergence fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, propelling initiatives to fortify healthcare systems. The synergy among sectors holds the promise of realizing PHC accessible to all, devoid of discrimination, ultimately steering towards the goal of achieving a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Notably, the ‘1000 Challenge’ unveiled on the second day stands as a pioneering response to the scarcity of research data in Africa. This initiative pioneers a platform connecting researchers from resource-limited settings with experienced teams, offering a transformative space for skill acquisition. By addressing the research gap, this endeavor not only enhances global collaboration but also aligns with the overarching mission of achieving sustainable and equitable healthcare outcomes.
· Next Actions
After attending this congress, I see the importance of having data available to inform policy making. Gone are the days when we would wait for study findings from the developed world when there is capacity to conduct some research in Africa. This will help generate relevant data that can be used locally to make policies that apply to our setting making its implementation more practical. I intend to contribute to making such data available by conducting research studies of my own in collaboration with other healthcare professionals in the near future.
All in all, it was wonderful to see a vast range of African professionals come together to find solutions to improve healthcare coverage in Africa. It was an honor to represent DBF as a delegate.
