[afro-nets] Direct Investment in health is good business sense

["Tarry Asoka" <carenet2020@yahoo.co.uk>]

Direct Investment in health is good business sense
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Despite the central position occupied by human and social dimensions of development within the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the links between health and sustainable development including the contribution of health to poverty alleviation has not been properly made. However, this has begun to change with the recognition of HIV/AIDS epidemic as a key global development issue. We have also seen the central place health has taken in discussions among African Heads of States  within the framework of the African Union (AU). Increasingly health has also been a major feature on the agendas of the G8 countries. 
 
The current and emerging health issues include: the rise in the global spread of diseases and infection, increased incidence of food poisoning and food borne diseases and out breaks, rising environmental pollution levels and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. At the same time, the world still faces age-old public health problems associated with poverty, including lack of access to clean water and sanitation, inadequate housing, pollution and poor hygiene. For developing countries such as Nigeria, this is a “double jeopardy”.

It has been noted that improvement in health could contribute to lessening of poverty and vulnerability through positive pathways that link poverty and ill- health. For example, improved health leads to increased productivity, better learning abilities and increased access to information, an enhanced sense of well-being, an increase in employment opportunity, healthier lifestyles, longer lives with less disability and decreased violence. Therefore, investing in health could be seen not only as a definite goal on its own right, but also as a strategy for poverty reduction.

Businesses have been involved in health as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This is based on the understanding that sustainable development is not achievable without social responsibility, and health is an essential component of this. In order to achieve this there is a need to move from dialogue into partnerships and alliances. 

Emphasis need to be placed on meeting targets such as the MDGs aimed at reducing the burden of diseases affecting the poor, and protecting and promoting health in the development process. Five basic principles would apply:
- ensuring that household needs are paramount;
- maximizing community action;
- supporting non-government providers
- reviewing the role of government; and
- ensuring sustainability in financial transactions in the provision and use of services.
 
Dr Tarry Asoka 
Executive Director - Care-Net Ltd
http://www.carenet.info
+234-8023048497
mailto:carenet2020@yahoo.co.uk