Amref Health Africa has taken a bold step in shaping the future of health financing across Africa by leading discussions on the transition of the Strategic Africa Resource Center (SPARC) project. The high-level meeting, held today, focused on Amref’s ongoing role in optimizing health sector resources and improving service delivery on the continent.
SPARC, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has played a critical role in improving resource allocation and promoting evidence-based decision making in African health systems.
Boniface Midia, Head of Health Financing at Amref Health Africa, underscored the significance of the transition. “We are moving beyond the SPARC project to a broader conversation about how Amref can continue to support African countries in strengthening health financing. Our goal is to use data-driven strategies to improve health outcomes,” he said.
Nathaniel Otu, founding executive director of SPARC and a leading expert on health financing, emphasized the importance of maximizing available resources. “Health financing is often viewed through the lens of securing more funding, but SPARC has advocated for efficiency – ensuring that existing resources have the greatest impact. This is especially important as donor support declines.
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He outlined three key pillars of effective healthcare financing: resource generation, pooling and strategic purchasing. “Healthcare is an investment and our approach ensures that resources are used efficiently to deliver quality care,” he added.
Amref’s selection to host SPARC in Kenya underscores its credibility and leadership in Africa’s health sector. “Amref’s reputation and influence make it the ideal institution to take this agenda forward. Our goal is to create sustainable improvements in health by working closely with governments and local experts,” said Otu.
Since its inception, SPARC has directly impacted 14 countries, and more than 25 others have adopted health financing reforms inspired by its initiatives. As the transition continues, Amref remains committed to guiding Africa towards a more efficient and effective health financing system.
