Public-private partnerships crucial to change face of healthcare in Africa, says Drogba

Abstract

Chelsea and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba on Tuesday said he will do all he can to support private sector participation in the continent’s health sector. The legendary footballer, who through his foundation facilitates health and education access for vulnerable populations, spoke at the main forum and during an appearance with Halima Dangote, who was representing her father, business magnate Aliko Dangote. He said public-private partnerships were crucial if the face of healthcare in Africa was to change, adding helping ordinary people get access to quality healthcare was a goal he will continue to pursue. Drogba said he had earlier lost a best friend’s nephew who loved and supported him as he started his footballing career, resulting in his decision to start his own health foundation. A joint initiative by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), GBC Health and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the health forum explored solutions to Africa’s health challenges with the objective of strengthening partnerships and facilitating private investments to change the face of healthcare in Africa.