Linking Health and Economic Growth in Africa | A Business Lunch and Roundtable

Better health outcomes in Africa contribute to significant economic gains and to the growth of GDP per capita across the continent. For example, every dollar invested in childhood immunization in Africa can expect to save $16 in healthcare costs, lost wages and productivity due to illness, according to a study by UNECA. As Africa continues to experience rapid urbanization, the population is increasingly exposed to the spread of infectious diseases as well as a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to urban lifestyle changes. Business opportunities in Africa's healthcare industry are projected to be worth $259 billion by the year 2030, with the potential to create 16 million jobs. With the right enabling environment created by African governments, the private sector can strengthen health systems, services and capabilities in the region through investments in healthcare facilities, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, research, skills development and capacity-building, and digital innovations.

The private sector has a significant stake in a healthy African populace and in Africa's rapidly growing economies, and its role in addressing health issues is critical. This is all the more important as African governments plan and implement universal health coverage strategies by 2030. Taking place on the margins of the 74th U.N. General Assembly and the U.N. High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in New York, this roundtable will bring together a select group of private sector decision makers and government leaders to explore partnership opportunities and discuss strategies for improving health outcomes to drive economic growth in Africa.