L-R: Dr. Ardo Ba (President, FOASPS), Hon. Abdouliaye Diouf Sarr (Minister of Health & Social Action Senegal, Dr. Amit Thakker (Chairman, Africa Healthcare Federation) showing a true sign of public private partnerships during the official opening ceremony.

Africa Health Business Symposium has hit a new milestone this year – it was the first time that the continent was united in West Africa with public sector, private sector and development partner representatives from 51 countries across the globe, Moreover, this conference was a historic partnership effort between the Ministry of Health Senegal, the Private Health Federation of Senegal (ASPS) and Africa Health Business Ltd, leading the path towards the joint objective of achieving SDG3 and transforming the healthcare landscape in our continent.

New relationships were made and old ones renewed as members met in Dakar for the 3 days of knowledge sharing events. The good news is that there is a willingness and demand for the state and non state partners in the healthcare ecosystem to come together to collectively take responsibility of meeting the healthcare challenges. Our diverse and dynamic group of speakers and panelists provided in-depth insight, as well as, actionable activities through practical tools of engagement models, methods and mechanisms.

Key outcomes of AHBSII:

• Establishment of an honest and true dialogue model process between Ministries of Health that were present and the private sector stakeholders
• Setting a common ground: all parties agreed that Public Private Partnerships are non-negotiable in achieving healthcare goals in the continent
• Leadership: all stakeholders agreed to take responsibility in driving towards effective partnerships for tangible positive impact in healthcare outcomes
• Accountability: we will be tracking the progress on impact and improved health outcomes.This progress will be presented at AHBS III

The lesson is clear – to have a significant impact in healthcare, we must work together. It was an absolute pleasure to host you at AHBS II. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and active participation in our initiative. We hope to see you in South Africa for the 3rd Africa Health Business Symposium next October!

L-R: Clare Omatseye (FOASPS), Zola Mtshiya (Board of Healthcare Funders), Magriet Deetlefs Raxworthy (Nutricia) and Dr. Ardo Ba (FOASPS) during the AHBS III handover ceremony to our event partners in South Africa.