Affiliates
1. Africa UHC Observatory
Africa UHC Observatory is a strategic initiative established under the auspices of the Africa Economic Forum (AEF) to provide robust oversight, verification, and confirmation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) data across African countries. Its mission is to ensure that UHC progress is accurately tracked, transparently reported, and effectively used to inform policy and investment decisions that advance equitable health systems across the continent.
Purpose and Strategic Importance
- Mandate: The Observatory serves as a continental mechanism to validate country-level UHC data, ensuring alignment with global standards and regional priorities.
- Oversight Role: It acts as a watchdog and technical partner, reviewing national submissions, cross-checking with global repositories (e.g., WHO, World Bank, UHC2030), and confirming the integrity of reported indicators.
- AEF Alignment: As part of the AEF’s broader agenda for inclusive development, the Observatory supports evidence-based decision-making and promotes accountability in health sector governance.
Core Functions
- Data Verification: The Observatory conducts independent reviews of UHC metrics such as service coverage, financial protection, equity, and health system performance.
- Country Engagement: It collaborates with Ministries of Health, National Statistics Offices, and civil society to validate data sources and methodologies.
- Technical Support: Offers capacity building, methodological guidance, and peer review mechanisms to strengthen national data systems.
- Dashboard Development: Maintains a regional UHC dashboard that aggregates validated data, enabling cross-country comparisons and trend analysis.
Governance and Structure
- AEF Oversight: The Observatory reports to the AEF Health and Social Development Commission, ensuring strategic alignment with continental priorities.
- Expert Panels: Includes regional experts in health economics, epidemiology, and data science who guide verification protocols.
- Country Focal Points: Each member state designates a liaison to coordinate data submission and review processes.
Integration with Global Platforms
- UHC2030 and WHO GHO: The Observatory complements global efforts by contextualizing African data and ensuring its relevance to regional realities.
- Data Harmonization: Works to align national data with international repositories, reducing duplication and enhancing credibility.
Impact and Future Directions
- Improved Data Quality: Countries benefit from enhanced data integrity, boosting confidence among donors and development partners.
- Policy Influence: Verified data informs national health strategies, budget allocations, and regional health diplomacy.
- Innovation Pipeline: Plans to integrate AI-driven analytics, mobile data collection, and community-based validation tools.
The Africa UHC Observatory is a transformative platform that elevates the credibility, comparability, and utility of UHC data across the continent. Under the leadership of the AEF, it fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in health systems. As Africa accelerates toward the 2030 SDG targets, the Observatory will be pivotal in ensuring that no country—and no community—is left behind.
2. The Africa UHC Peer Review Network
established under the auspices of the Africa Economic Forum (AEF), is a dynamic, continent-wide platform designed to foster collaborative learning, peer accountability, and strategic networking among African countries pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It serves as a mechanism for countries to share experiences, review progress, and co-develop solutions to common health system challenges.
Purpose and Strategic Vision
- Mandate: To facilitate structured peer-to-peer engagement that accelerates UHC implementation through mutual learning and evidence-based dialogue.
- AEF Alignment: Anchored in the AEF’s vision for inclusive development, the Network supports regional integration and harmonization of health policies.
- Continental Solidarity: Promotes African-led solutions and strengthens regional ownership of health reforms.
Core Functions
- Peer Review Missions: Countries voluntarily undergo structured reviews of their UHC strategies, guided by standardized frameworks and facilitated by regional experts.
- Knowledge Exchange Forums: Hosts regular convenings—virtual and in-person—where policymakers, practitioners, and researchers share innovations, lessons, and best practices.
- Thematic Working Groups: Focused clusters on topics such as health financing, service delivery, digital health, and equity, enabling deeper technical collaboration.
- Policy Dialogues: Facilitates high-level discussions among Ministers of Health and Finance to align UHC goals with national development agendas.
Learning and Capacity Building
- South-South Learning: Encourages cross-country mentorship, twinning arrangements, and joint implementation pilots.
- Toolkits and Guidance: Co-develops practical resources such as policy briefs, implementation guides, and monitoring templates.
- Community of Practice: Maintains an online platform for continuous engagement, document sharing, and real-time problem solving.
Network Structure and Governance
- AEF Oversight: The Network is governed by a Steering Committee under the AEF Health and Social Development Commission.
- Country Representation: Each member state nominates focal points who coordinate peer review activities and contribute to thematic groups.
- Technical Secretariat: Provides logistical support, documentation, and synthesis of findings for dissemination across the continent.
Impact and Strategic Value
- Accelerated UHC Progress: Countries benefit from tailored recommendations and peer insights that inform national reforms.
- Enhanced Accountability: Peer reviews promote transparency and encourage countries to uphold commitments.
- Regional Cohesion: Strengthens continental identity and shared purpose in achieving health for all.
Future Directions
- Digital Expansion: Plans to launch a mobile-enabled peer review dashboard and virtual learning labs.
- Youth and Civil Society Engagement: Inclusion of non-state actors to enrich perspectives and foster grassroots accountability.
- Global Linkages: Strategic partnerships with global platforms like UHC2030 and the Joint Learning Network to amplify Africa’s voice.
The Africa UHC Peer Review Network is a cornerstone of regional cooperation in health. By enabling countries to learn from one another, share innovations, and hold each other accountable, it transforms UHC from a national aspiration into a continental movement. Under the leadership of the AEF, the Network is poised to drive meaningful progress toward equitable, resilient, and people-centered health systems across Africa.
3. Africa Health Accreditation Commission (AHAC)
The Africa Health Accreditation Commission (AHAC) is a proposed continental agency under the auspices of the Africa Economic Forum (AEF), envisioned to serve as the premier body for voluntary accreditation of health institutions across Africa. AHAC’s mission is to elevate the quality, safety, and accountability of healthcare delivery by establishing and enforcing rigorous, context-sensitive standards for primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions. As African countries strive toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and resilient health systems, AHAC will play a critical role in harmonizing quality benchmarks, fostering institutional excellence, and building public trust in healthcare services.
Purpose and Strategic Importance
- Quality Assurance: Develop and implement accreditation standards tailored to African health system realities, ensuring institutions meet minimum thresholds for safety, effectiveness, and patient-centred care.
- Voluntary Accreditation: Provide a structured, transparent, and supportive process for health institutions to seek and maintain accreditation status.
- Capacity Building: Support institutions in achieving accreditation through training, mentorship, and technical assistance.
- Continental Recognition: Promote mutual recognition of accredited institutions across member states, facilitating cross-border referrals and workforce mobility.
Scope of Accreditation
- AHAC will offer accreditation services across the full continuum of care: Each level will have tailored standards reflecting its role, capacity, and service complexity.
Governance and Structure
- AEF Oversight: AHAC will operate under the AEF’s Health and Social Development Commission, ensuring alignment with continental health priorities.
- Board of Accreditation: Comprising regional experts in health systems, quality assurance, and public health, the board will guide policy and approve accreditation decisions.
- Technical Secretariat: Responsible for day-to-day operations, coordination of assessments, and stakeholder engagement.
- National Liaison Offices: Country-level focal points to support institutions, coordinate assessments, and ensure contextual relevance.
Accreditation Process
The AHAC accreditation process will be voluntary, transparent, and improvement-oriented:
- Application: Institutions submit an expression of interest and self-assessment.
- Pre-Assessment Support:: AHAA provides guidance and tools to prepare for evaluation.
- External Review: A multidisciplinary team conducts on-site assessments using standardized tools.
- Accreditation Decision: Based on scoring and compliance, institutions may receive full, conditional, or provisional accreditation.
- Continuous Improvement: Accredited institutions are supported with feedback, learning resources, and periodic re-evaluation.
Standards and Domains
AHAC’s accreditation standards will be evidence-based and adaptable, covering key domains such as:
- Leadership and Governance
- Patient Safety and Rights
- Clinical Care and Continuity
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Human Resources and Training
- Infrastructure and Equipment
- Data Management and Quality Improvement
Strategic Benefits
- Improved Health Outcomes: Accredited institutions are more likely to deliver safe, effective, and equitable care.
- Health System Strengthening: Encourages institutional accountability and performance benchmarking.
- Investment Readiness: Accreditation signals quality to funders, insurers, and development partners.
- Regional Integration: Facilitates harmonization of standards and cross-border health collaboration.
Future Directions
- Digital Accreditation Platform A secure, cloud-based system for applications, assessments, and performance tracking.
- Accreditation for Training Institutions Expansion to include nursing schools, medical colleges, and allied health programs.
- Public Recognition Campaigns: Promote awareness and trust in accredited institutions among communities and patients.
The Africa Health Accreditation Authority (AHAC) represents a bold step toward institutionalizing quality in African healthcare. By offering a voluntary, credible, and supportive accreditation pathway, AHAC will empower health institutions to rise to global standards while remaining rooted in local realities. Under the leadership of the AEF, AHAC will be a cornerstone of Africa’s journey toward resilient, people-centered, and high-performing health systems.
