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Panel: Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Sustainable Health Systems

On September 6, WACI Health participated in a panel discussion, “A Resolute Pathway to Sustainable Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Health” led by the Health NGOs Network (HENNET). The session was held at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya under the Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa Expo and Conference 2024.

Panellists – including Dr. Margaret Lubaale of HENNET, Regina Ombam from the East Africa Community, Dr. Samual Kinyanjui of AHF Kenya, and David Kabera from WACI Health – discussed the need for Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) for health and strategies to improve domestic funding. DRM aims to reduce dependence on external funding and ensure sustainable financing for health services. The session was moderated by Rosemarie Muganda from PATH.

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David Kabera (left), Regina Ombam (centre) and Dr. Samual Kinyanjui (right)

David Kabera, Policy and Advocacy Officer at WACI Health, spoke about essential components needed to build resilient health systems, including the critical role of domestic funding for health. He emphasised that it is not enough to increase resources but rather, ensure that strategic investments are made in critical areas like primary health care. He noted that strategies must be tailored to each country’s unique context and that in addition to developing better health policies, ensuring their effective implementation is the pressing charge for the African continent today.

The panel highlighted approaches to ensure the efficient use of available resources, improving budget absorption, and using evidence to ensure strategic upstream investments. Accountability was a recurring theme with panellists noting the role of localised decision-making to promote transparency and ensure health systems are responsive.

A healthcare model that focuses on community welfare and value-based care is needed to reduce inefficiencies and strengthen systems.

The session was attended by healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society representatives interested in the evolving healthcare landscape in the region. A recording is available here.

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