Africa has 16% of the world’s population and accounts for 23% of the global disease burden, but its health expenditure is 1% of total global health expenditure.

Covid-19 caused a significant double shock on the African continent, with a dramatic impact on both economic systems and health systems. The pandemic showed the world and the region the deep injustice of access to health services and life-saving medicines – most illustrated by unfair access to vaccines – and reflects the imbalances in global health that need to be addressed immediately.

To support governments across Africa on their path to recovery and better recovery, Sweden has partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Sweden will finance R540 million value of technical assistance to strengthen and fund healthcare systems that can withstand future shocks such as Covid-19 and ensure fair access to high-quality primary care and sexual and reproductive health care.

The challenge is enormous. On June 15, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa reported over eight million confirmed Covid-19 cases and over 172,000 deaths – probably a significant underestimation. At the same time, the International Monetary Fund reports that Covid-19 has …