African Health Economics Advisory Committee: final report of the first meeting
Final report of the first meeting, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 23–25 November 2004
Overview
The first meeting of the African Health Economics Advisory Committee (AHEAC) took place in order to urge African governments to come to terms with the emerging global consensus that there is a direct link between health and development. It was argued that good health and economic prosperity seemed to go together because healthy people could more easily earn an income, afford and seek medical care, acquire better nutrition and experience more freedom to lead healthier lives.
Dr Samba stated that the time is now ripe for African governments to examine how adequate financial allocations to the health sector could be ensured for adequate health care. In this regard, he underscored the necessity for ministers of health to work closely with ministers of economic development planning and finance to secure sustainable financing for the health sector.
The Regional Director explained that the purpose of the meeting was to faciliatate the forming of a Committee to provide advice and guidance to the Regional Office on all aspects of health economics as requested. This will include how to strengthen the health economics capacities of Member States for generating and using evidence in decision-making.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Appointment of chairperson and vice-chairpersons
4 Adoption of terms of reference
5. Strategic plan for enhancing health economics capacity in the African Region
6. Closing ceremony and recommendations
Annex 1. List of participants
Annex 2. AHEAC terms of reference
Annex 3. Strategic Health Economics Plan for the WHO African Region 2006–2015