President William Ruto speaking on the sidelines of the 38th
Ordinary Assembly of the African Union
President William Ruto has urged African countries to adopt innovative financing models to bridge funding gaps in the health sector.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on African Union’s domestic health financing on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Assembly of the African Union, Ruto said a well-funded health system is not a luxury but a necessity.
“A nation cannot prosper when its people are unwell. A workforce cannot be productive when preventable diseases weaken it. Our future cannot be secure when healthcare remains a privilege for a few rather than a right for all,” he said.
Ruto said African nations should embrace public-private partnerships, digital health solutions, comprehensive national health insurance schemes, and tax-based financing models.
“However, budgetary commitments alone are not enough—what truly matters is ensuring efficient allocation, transparent spending, and tangible results for our people,” he said.
Ruto added that financial resources alone do not build strong health systems stating that good governance is equally essential.
“Without transparency, funds are wasted. Without accountability, budgets disappear. Without efficiency, patients suffer,” he explained.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic tested Africa’s healthcare infrastructure and exposed critical vulnerabilities.
He said the continent faced supply chain disruptions, medicine shortages, and a stark realisation of overreliance on external aid.
“The message was clear: dependence on external support is unsustainable, resilience is imperative, and self-sufficiency is nonnegotiable.”
Ruto noted that Kenya remains unwavering in its commitment
to mobilising domestic resources for health.
“We reaffirm our dedication to the Abuja Declaration and urge Member States to uphold the pledge to allocate at least 15 per cent of national budgets to healthcare,” he stated.
He added that Kenya’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage has demonstrated that strategic investments in primary healthcare yield profound results.
“By strengthening public-private partnerships, prioritising preventive care, and optimising health spending, we have significantly expanded access and improved service delivery,” he said.
He said Africa must embrace regional collaboration, pooled procurement, and coordinated response mechanisms.
“Through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and African Union-led initiatives, we can share knowledge, strengthen supply chains, and build a robust, self-sufficient pharmaceutical industry,” he stated.