Dr. Matshidiso Moeti was interviewed at the 5th International Conference on the African Health Agenda in Kigali, Rwanda, where she highlighted the main lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (left ) discussing with Dr. Ebere Okereke (Rigth)
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti was interviewed at the 5th International Conference on the African Health Agenda in Kigali, Rwanda, where she highlighted the main lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Ebere Okereke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the “Africa Public Health Foundation,” moderated the session during which Dr. Moeti emphasized the five main lessons that the pandemic has taught Africa and Africans. In a reassuring tone, she began by stating that “health is a determinant of development and national security.” This lesson highlights the need to invest in healthcare systems to ensure the overall development and security of a country.
Dr. Moeti then went on to discuss the second lesson, which is the strong link between policy, political ecosystems, political leaders, and health outcomes. She noted that the sudden leadership of health ministers during the pandemic was critical in reaching the highest political decision-makers in countries and eliciting action from them. Looking towards the future, Dr. Moeti explained that one of the questions that experts asked themselves when they had to respond quickly to the pandemic was “what are the highest risks of the moment?” This highlights the need for each country to take care of itself as international goodwill could be vulnerable. She noted that this lesson should be taken into account in global conversations around the pandemic. Dr. Moeti also stressed the importance of tailored approaches that are effective for each country. She drew on the example of African countries that had the courage to adapt global guidelines for their own security. Ultimately, she argued that “communities are at the center of everything we do,” and that experts need to translate scientific findings into language that communities can understand. She added that this has been one of the painful lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
All of these lessons are a guarantee for strengthening “the resilience of our health system.” Dr. Moeti emphasized the need for the work to be done against a backdrop of continental harmony. By investing in healthcare systems, taking into account the unique needs of each community, and ensuring that political will and leadership are in place, Africa can build more resilient healthcare systems that can withstand future health crises.
Source: lecalame.net
