Polokwane: Health Department Deputy Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has urged Group of 20 (G20) leaders to address the structural challenges that impede progress in enhancing public financing and developing strong primary healthcare (PHC) systems. ‘The financial stresses facing the health sector in many nations serve as a crucial reminder that health is fundamentally an investment in global stability and economic prosperity,’ Phaahla said on Thursday morning.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy Minister was addressing the delegates at the G20 Health Ministerial Meeting held at the Ranch Resort in Polokwane, Limpopo. Phaahla emphasised that the agenda for the two-day meeting not only includes discussions but also outlines a structured approach toward achieving constructive outcomes. ‘Our agenda reflects our determination to tackle complex health threats through cooperation.’
The delegates will hold a session focused on addressing what Phaahla terms as one of humanity’s persistent challenges – Tuberculosis (TB). In addition, the leaders will discuss health financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the importance of global partnerships. This discussion will include the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, which aims to secure more resources for combating HIV, TB, and malaria.
‘The afternoon session on health financing for UHC is perhaps the most critical. It allows us to explore sustainable models, including the role of public investment, and to jointly examine how global economic forces impact national health budgets. We seek common ground in securing the financial bedrock for resilient health systems.’
According to Phaahla, the Health Ministers’ Meeting aims to synthesise and integrate the work of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in Health. ‘It begins with a crucial focus on ensuring that scientific progress benefits everyone, with our discussion on making lenacapavir affordable and available for all. This speaks to our G20 value of equity in access to medical breakthroughs.’
The leaders are also expected to work diligently to create a shared understanding and define strategic directions. The gathering will also conclude with the important G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting (JFHMM). ‘This joint forum is a powerful signal of our collective recognition that fiscal policy and health outcomes are inextricably linked. Bringing our respective Ministers together will be key to translating our health goals into financially sound, implementable national and global strategies.’
He encouraged all delegates to embody mutual respect and shared goals that this forum demands. ‘The solutions we seek require bold thinking, sustained effort, and unwavering solidarity,’ he concluded.