The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. A focus on Universal Health Coverage enhances access to high quality healthcare for African citizens.

Over 50% of the African population live in rural hard-to-reach places, staying more than two hours away from a public healthcare facility. Due to the distance barrier to accessing facilities, many diseases and illnesses disproportionately affect certain African populations. There are also socioeconomic factors that further impede access to healthcare. Addressing each of these factors is critical towards achievement of UHC for Africa.

The primary reason why healthcare in Africa is described as the “worst in the world” is Poverty. There are many secondary reasons such as lack of innovation, macroeconomic policy, low insurance coverage, brain drain, corruption, political will but the most important reason still remains poverty. Without massive government support no country in the world has achieved UHC. 

How can we tackle these issues in Africa?

Primary health network (PHN) can potentially reduce disparities in healthcare provision for Africa’s most vulnerable population. PHNs can significantly enhance access to emergency healthcare while promoting preventative healthcare and managing chronic disease in the larger non-urban population. PHNs can also provide specialized, high impact, and cost-effective healthcare services through leveraging their digital healthcare services. They can be customized to address the local community’s changing healthcare needs. PHNs can provide adaptable and practical solutions for treating vulnerable and isolated communities that cannot access healthcare facilities. Moreover, providing primary quality healthcare has a positive impact on the economic health of a community. PHNs play a role in economic development efforts through involvement in local organizations and schools. Partnerships between healthcare leaders and other institutions and individuals in rural communities are essential to foster economic development and empowering the youth and women of these communities.

Mohamed El Sahili is the Chief Executive/Vision Officer of the SF Group of companies comprising Medland Hospital, Celine Real Estate, F&A Real Estate and Pharmaland.  He served as Fairy Bottling’s CEO until its acquisition by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in February 2019. Dr. El Sahili also served as Chairperson of the Lusaka Water Security Initiative (2017-2019).

A Doctor by profession as well as an entrepreneur, he serves as a: 

- Board Member and Vice President to the American Chamber of Commerce Zambia 

- Board Member to the:

a- Corporate Council on Africa 

b- Africa Healthcare Federation

c- Baobab College Zambia

- Country Representative at the Africa Business Roundtable 

- Country Scout to the Flying Doctors

He was awarded Africa Food Industry Champion 2018. 

In 2020, he was awarded as POTYAS Entrepreneur of the Year 2020.

In 2021, he received the Excellence Award at the Africa Healthcare Awards in Nigeria and the Healthcare Personality Award in Azerbaijan.

In 2022, He received the Waterfalls Global Healthcare Award and the UAE Community Service Medal.

His commitment towards Women Empowerment, Waste Management and Wellness & Health is phenomenal and constitutes the pillar of his Vision 8 5 3.