Health Ministers praise HeDPAC for making the right moves and taking the right steps 

Geneva, Switzerland, 29 May 2024 

A ministerial networking meeting was held on 29 May 2024 in Geneva, on the margins of the 77th World Health Assembly. African and Caribbean health ministers discussed HeDPAC’s pivotal role and the importance of South-South partnerships in addressing the pressing challenges of our time. During the event, ideas, perspectives, best practices were shared for enhanced cross-regional health development collaboration.

HeDPAC promotes health development across the Global South by leveraging lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. This initiative is spearheaded by the Heads of State and Government of Rwanda and Barbados, and aims to promote regional partnerships and strengthen South-South collaboration.

In his remarks, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO reinforced the theme of collaboration by praising HeDPAC as a model for South-South partnerships. He stressed the important role of the organization in fostering an environment of partnership and mutual support, which can lead to building resilient health systems. He further called for collective effort in strengthening health systems across the regions.

Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, HeDPAC’s CEO, welcomed attendees, and he emphasized on the role of HeDPAC as a platform of strengthening existing and new partnerships, sharing of expertise and practices among the two regions and beyond.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda reflected on the partnership between Cuba and Rwanda in the area of health workforce. He mentioned that a first group of Cuban medical experts has arrived in Rwanda as part of Cuba support to Rwanda 4×4 initiative aiming to quadruple the number of healthcare provider in the next four years.

 Ms. Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development at CARICOM alluded to the pressing challenge of healthcare workers migration. This has resulted in a growing apprehension universally because of its impact on health system of the developing countries, mainly the 2 regions thus requiring collective actions.

HeDPAC envisions to support and catalyze initiatives of local productions of medical products in order to maximize the impact. Johanna Hill, Deputy Director General of WTO, emphasized on the importance of regional and cross-regional production approaches, close collaboration and coordination to shape the market. She also reminded the imperative of addressing trade barriers and promoting trade facilitation in order to allow conducive movements of goods between countries and regions. The regional perspective was further enriched by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Regional Director of PAHO, who said that “Strengthening regional and local production capacity is crucial, and our regions must work together to shape regional markets and enhance regulatory capacity,” He further underscored the necessity of integrating HeDPAC’s goals with established regional frameworks to optimize impact.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, participant aligned on the importance of cross-regional learning and domestic resource mobilization for pandemic preparedness. Dr. Ayoade Alakija, leader of the Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance during COVID-19, recalled the challenges faced by Africa and Caribbean regions in securing COVID-19 vaccine on time. She emphasized the lessons learned from the pandemic and the importance of South-South collaboration in overcoming these challenges.  

Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of Ethiopia, shared experience of how her country implemented innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges, these innovations can be replicated in other countries based on local specificity and context. She emphasized the importance of South-South collaboration and praised the HeDPAC initiative for fostering such collaboration.

Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana, underlined the importance of technology and digitalization in amplifying best practices across regions. He stated, “Leveraging technology allows us to reach more people and share innovations efficiently,” underscoring the transformative potential of digital tools in healthcare.  Hon.Philip Telesford, Minister of Health of Grenada, emphasized the common issues faced by Small Island States and African nations, advocating for stronger ties and resource sharing. Drawing parallels with regional successes in sports, he stated, “We must now take this new South-South partnership and run as fast as we can, plan well, and execute well.”

Finally, the meeting concluded with a collective commitment to fostering South-South partnerships and driving impactful health initiatives. HeDPAC aim to work forward building resilient health systems in the global south capable of addressing current and future challenges and the event underscored the power of unity, innovation, and mutual support in advancing global health.