“The corona pandemic and the consequences of the global recession are a huge challenge also for the African continent. Many African countries reacted very quickly and consistently when the first cases were confirmed. Initial aid programmes for the private sector have also been launched. Now it is important to support the continent in the health sector and prevent supply bottlenecks, but also to do everything possible to mitigate the economic consequences. The establishment of local production of protective materials, for example, can contribute to this,” stated Christoph Kannengießer, CEO of Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft, during the “Covid-19” working group on health management, which was held yesterday by video conference with German company representatives, political actors from Germany and high-ranking African representatives. The working group was established by the Afrika-Verein together with the GHA – German Health Alliance. “It is in our interest to work together now and show solidarity with Africa. The opportunities offered by the state and the private sector should be used in a well-coordinated way,” said Kannengießer.

“Close cooperation across all stakeholders and sectors is crucial for the acute fight against the coronavirus pandemic – as well as for strengthening the resilience of health systems on our neighbouring continent during and – with regard to pandemic preparedness – in the long term after the current crisis. The necessary, sustainable strengthening of health systems can only succeed through innovation, partnerships and the close involvement of civil society. Together with their African partners, German actors, companies and experts can play a key role, provided that the relevant commitment is accompanied by intelligent interconnection of the German Federal Government’s rapidly growing multilateral with bilateral development cooperation activities in the health sector,” said Roland Göhde, Chairman of GHA – German Health Alliance and Member of the Board of Afrika-Verein.

Besides Christoph Kannengießer and Roland Göhde, the following experts provided input:

• Dr Prosper Tumusiime, Universal Health Coverage/Life Course Director WHO
• Dr Jean Baptiste Nikiema, Medicines Supply in Universal Health Coverage/Life Course Cluster WHO
• Ghazi Darghouth, President Tunisia Health Alliance
• Michael Katende, Principal Health Officer, Secretariat East African Community (EAC)
• Geoffrey Kamanzi, Manager-Policy Trade in Services East African Business Council (EABC)
• Jens Papperitz, Managing Director B. Braun Medical (Pty) Limited, South Africa
• Akofa Bart-Plange, Business Development Consultant Hospital Engineering, Ghana
• Pradeep Kakkattil, Director Innovation and Private Sector Engagement UNAIDS
• Lucia De Carlo, Head of Department 110, Cooperation with the private sector, sustainable economic policy, BMZ
• Dr. Axel Klaphake, Director Economic and Social Development, Digitalisation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
• Dr. Kai Gesing, Senior Health and Population Expert KfW Development Bank, LAD 3, Health, Education and Social Protection in Southern Africa

A total of 70 participants followed the working group, the link to the event can be found here:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/3042177556344412166