(3 Minutes Read)
He described the situation as “the most severe disruptions to health systems since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” adding, “this is not a practical shift. It’s a cliff edge.”
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that in 2023, Africa received USD 74 billion in aid but lost USD 90 billion to illicit financial flows and USD 55 billion to corporate tax exemptions. The losses amount to USD 145 billion in illicit financial flows as tax exemptions are considered illicit financial flows.
Speaking at the African Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Dr Ghebreyesu said Africa needs fair terms of engagement, not charity, as declining health aid threatens systems across the continent, and warned that health aid was projected to fall by up to 40 per cent this year compared to two years ago.
He described the situation as “the most severe disruptions to health systems since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” adding, “this is not a practical shift. It’s a cliff edge.”
Dr Ghebreyesus said life-saving medicines were stranded in warehouses, health workers were losing jobs, clinics were closing, and millions were missing care.
Commending Ghana’s leadership, Dr Ghebreyesus said, “Ghana is leading by example, thanks to President John Dramani Mahama for delivering on his commitment to free primary healthcare for all, this is what sovereignty looks like.”He stressed that political commitment from the highest level is essential for transitioning from aid dependency.
Dr Ghebreyesus noted that in 2023, Africa received $74 billion in aid but lost USD 90 billion to illicit financial flows and USD 55 billion to corporate tax exemptions. He proposed a 50 per cent tax price increase on harmful products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, estimating it could generate USD 3.7 trillion globally within five years and save millions of lives.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/who-approves-new-pandemic-agreement/
The Director-General said WHO was advocating for reform through global platforms, calling for a more democratic, fair, and accountable health architecture.
