“At the core of the South African G20 health agenda is UHC, with a focus on primary health care. This approach is inclusive and cost-effective in improving health while preparing for future emergencies”
were considered. Similarly, WHO estimates that every $1 spent on immunisation gen- erates $26 in economic returns. This kind of multiplier effect is difficult to overlook. The South African presidency has also rightly emphasised the need to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These account for 74% of global deaths and are among the most pressing health and eco- nomic challenges of our time. In low- and middle-income countries, nearly half of NCD deaths occur before the age of 70, cutting lives short and undermining pro- ductivity. The most effective way forward is prevention—reducing risk factors, strengthening early detection, and ensur- ing timely access to care. Building on momentum created by the recent Politi- cal Declaration on NCDs, there’s a chance for G20 members to align global commit- ments with national action. The Political Declaration can play an important role in rallying collective, global efforts to ensure there is the right political commitment and investment to tackle the growing global burden of NCDs which impacts individ- uals, health systems, economies, but also economies and societies at large. Evidence underscores the need to act. Research we conducted shows that, by investing an additional 1% of GDP in public healthcare spending, where at least 40% of this is aimed at preventing and treating NCDs, close to five million lives could be saved each year in low- and middle-income countries. UNLOCKING THE BENEFITS OF HEALTH INNOVATION Health advances do not happen with- out scientific progress and innovation. Achieving meaningful progress on UHC, strengthening the health workforce, and preparing to respond to health emergen- cies all require sustained commitment to R&D. Africa’s story reflects both challenges and opportunities. Two decades ago, Afri- can Union member states committed to spending 1% of GDP on R&D–yet no country has reached that target. Accord-
ing to UNESCO, Africa accounts for 16% of the world’s population but only 1.3% of its researchers, highlighting the need to further invest in scientific capacity and African talent. Encouragingly, initiatives such as the S20 and Y20 under the South African Presidency have sought to engage scientists and youth in shaping innovative solutions. At the same time, Africa is showing inspiring leadership. South Africa is setting an example through centres of research excellence such as the H3D Centre for Drug Discovery, and through advanced surveillance laboratories that help detect infectious diseases. It was, after all, South African scientists who first identified the Omicron variant. This ingenuity needs to be supported by the right policies. Strong intellectual prop- erty (IP) frameworks provide the stability needed to incentivise long-term, high- risk R&D. Intellectual property is really the foundation that sustains this cycle of innovation. IP is also a great catalyst for partnerships, and not just for the inno- vative pharmaceutical industry that we represent. Small biotechnology firms rely on IP to attract investment and establish voluntary partnerships. It also facili- tates cross-border cooperation, bringing together academia, start-ups, and industry to accelerate progress. HEALTH AS GROWTH: A CALL TO THE G20 The return on health investment is unde- niable. But to sustain this virtuous cycle, leaders must prioritise targeted invest- ments in health. The G20 faces a choice: to treat health as a cost to be contained, or as the most pow- erful investment in growth, equity, and security.
// DAVID REDDY Dr. David Reddy is the Director General of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), a role he assumed in April 2024. He brings over 30 years of global health and biopharmaceutical leadership experience, including 13 years as Chief Executive of the Medicines for Malaria Venture
(MMV), where he helped build the world’s largest portfolio of malaria medicines, saving
more than 15 million lives.
// BADA PHARASI Bada Pharasi is an independent pharmaceutical systems strengthening consultant based in Johannesburg, South Africa, , with over 30 years of experience in pharmacy and health systems. His expertise spans medicinal policy development, pharmaceutical supply chain management, medicines legislation, and public and global health. Throughout his career, Bada Pharasi has held significant positions, including serving as the CEO of IPASA from 2020 - 2025.
115 globalgovernanceproject.org
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting