A Call for African Leadership in Healthcare Transformation
The Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi (AKUH,N) is advocating for an African-led collaborative strategy to tackle the continent’s pressing health challenges. This approach focuses on enhancing health systems, elevating the quality of care, investing in specialized training, expanding clinical research, and improving access to advanced healthcare services within Africa.
Combating Medical Tourism and Strengthening Local Systems
During a media roundtable in Lagos, Khurram Jamal, the hospital’s chief operating officer, highlighted Africa’s vast expertise, human capital, and resources, which are essential to developing a reliable health system. This system could earn patients’ trust and significantly reduce the continent’s growing reliance on overseas medical services.
Jamal pointed out that Africa loses billions annually to medical tourism, a trend that not only weakens local health systems but also diverts vital investment from the continent. He revealed that approximately $7 billion leaves Africa each year as patients seek treatment abroad, with over 300,000 Africans traveling to India alone for specialized medical care. Factors such as inadequate specialist services, inconsistent quality standards, fragmented referral systems, and a widespread belief that quality healthcare can only be found outside Africa are exacerbating this issue.
Investing in Quality to Retain Patients and Investments
Reversing this trend, according to Jamal, requires intentional investment in high-quality healthcare delivery, skilled professionals, robust research, and stronger regional partnerships. He emphasized that true shared prosperity hinges on building a healthcare system that Africans can reliably access at home.
Africa must work to retain both patients and medical investments by establishing institutions capable of delivering services that meet global standards. Jamal underscored that confidence in African hospitals can only be rebuilt through internationally recognized standards, patient safety, and ongoing enhancements in service delivery.
Striving for International Accreditation and Standards
The Aga Khan University Hospital has made significant strides in this direction by investing in internationally accredited systems, cutting-edge clinical technology, and globally recognized medical practices aimed at improving patient outcomes. It was the first institution in East Africa to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, consistently maintaining this status through regular recertification. The hospital also holds several international certifications in pathology, laboratory medicine, and specialized care for heart and stroke patients.
Addressing the Workforce Shortage in Healthcare
Despite these advancements, Jamal noted that Africa continues to grapple with a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. Citing World Health Organization data, he mentioned that a minimum of 4.45 healthcare workers—doctors, nurses, and midwives—are necessary for every 1,000 people to provide adequate services. Currently, the continent manages only around 1.5 health workers per 1,000 individuals.
Investment in Human Capacity Development Is Crucial
Compounding this issue is the migration of African doctors who have pursued specialized training abroad but struggle to return home, exacerbating the workforce gap. Jamal urged governments and medical institutions to prioritize investment in human capacity development alongside funding for infrastructure and medical equipment. He emphasized that mere buildings cannot cure patients—highly trained professionals are essential for effective healthcare delivery.
To bridge the skills gap, Aga Khan University Hospital has developed one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region. It offers medical and nursing faculty education, training programs, and numerous clinical fellowships aimed at cultivating Africa’s next generation of specialists. Currently, the hospital employs around 200 full-time specialists who integrate clinical practice with education and research across 16 clinical fellowship programs and multiple medical specialties.
Enhancing Medical Research in Africa
Jamal also spotlighted the necessity of expanding African-led medical research. While Africa represents approximately 17 percent of the global population and accounts for about 25 percent of the world’s disease burden, it contributes to only 4 percent of worldwide clinical trials. He argued that the continent should not just consume knowledge produced elsewhere but actively generate research tailored to its unique health challenges.
To further this goal, the hospital has invested in a digital health system featuring advanced clinical research infrastructure and a comprehensive electronic health records platform that supports patient care, medical education, and research. Since launching its Clinical Research Unit in 2020, the hospital has engaged in 17 clinical research projects and trials, three of which have led to approved treatments in Kenya.
Recognizing the uneven distribution of specialized medical services across Africa, Jamal also announced a partnership with Kenya Airways aimed at simplifying medical travel within the continent. This initiative leverages the airline’s extensive network of 34 African cities and the hospital’s specialized services to provide tailored referrals, pre-travel consultations, and comprehensive support for patients traveling for treatment.
Jamal concluded that overcoming Africa’s reliance on foreign healthcare necessitates continued collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, airlines, regulators, and policymakers. With a commitment to enhancing investments in quality healthcare, cultivating skilled professionals, supporting research, and fostering regional partnerships, he is optimistic that Africa can develop resilient health systems to meet its growing healthcare needs while retaining patients, healthcare personnel, and financial resources.
