Hosted by Amref Health Africa 

Advancing Africa’s health agenda requires breaking down silos and adopting a whole-of-society approach. As we work to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly in the context of COVID-19, governments, the private sector, civil society and all other stakeholders will have a responsibility and a role to play. Partnerships must be fostered across sectors and geographies to leverage the knowledge, skills, expertise and resources of diverse players. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has tested health systems, disrupted economies and transformed the global health landscape – in light of this, it is imperative that health partnerships are flexible, dynamic and adaptable to shifting circumstances. This session will explore the potential of forging strategic, transparent, mutually beneficial and innovative partnerships to help catalyze progress towards shared health targets – as well as the value of engaging new and unconventional partners to tackle global health issues, including partners from outside the health sector. In particular, this session will make the case for multi-sectoral collaborations that have emerged or adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, to respond to immediate needs while also focusing on sustainability and long-term goals. Speakers will highlight how non-traditional partnerships can engage new audiences to promote change, how sectors outside of health and development can contribute to advancing Africa’s health agenda, and how flexibility and innovation are key to driving impact. This session will also highlight recommendations from successful, purpose-driven partnerships for effective collaboration to advance Africa’s health agenda. The conversation on “Purposeful Partnerships” presents an opportunity to celebrate innovative and adaptable partnerships, discuss how to scale these up to reach wider populations, and identify new areas of potential impact and collaboration, to deliver on our shared goal of health for all.