It is an undisputable fact that health is wealth and sound health is the most important ingredient for the attainment of optimum labor productivity and sustainable economic development. It is in view of this, that the first Peking University International Public Policy Forum for 2017 Spring Semester organized by the Institute of South South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD) invited senior executives of Merck Group– one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world to share their insights, expertise and experiences with students on contemporary health sector policies and how different persistent and emerging health issues can be addressed globally particularly in the developing South.

 

Mr. Kai Beckmann- a member of the Executive Board of Merck disclosed that his company over the years has played remarkable role and made significant strides in increasing life expectancy and reducing common killer diseases across the world. Expressing the need why health service delivery in Africa should be reinvigorated, Mr. Kai stated that “Africa is the fastest growing continent in terms of population which is currently estimated at 1.3 billion people and expected to reach 2.3 billion in 2050 with more than 25% of Africa’s population made up of young people”. 

 

 

Mr. Kai Beckmann

 

Continuing, he described Africa as a continent of many challenges but unlimited potentials. He expressed his worry about Africa’s health development and facilities but advised different governments to educate their people while adopting attractive and competitive economic framework.

 

Mr. Kai pointed out that his company collaborates with World Health Organization (WHO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to eliminate the insidious tropical disease- Schistosomiasis, and also combat drug counterfeiting which is a major challenge confronting the continent.

 

Mr. Allan Gabor

 

In his presentation, Mr. Allan Gabor, Regional President of Asia Pacific, Merck Group, submitted that African countries can learn a lot from China. He said life expectancy in China has improved dramatically over the last 15 years reflecting converging government's effort on reforming public health particularly bringing on board the rural areas, advancement of health sector related technology to help address infrastructure imbalances, improvements in primary health care facilities and transformation of the health care delivery model among others.

 

Mr. Gabor encouraged African governments to better incentivize health care professionals to promote dedication and commitment to service submitting that Public Private Partnership (PPP) led strategy in the sector will promote health care delivery and boost efficiency without compromising laid down regulations.

 

Prof. FU Jun

 

Prof. Fu Jun, the Academic Dean of ISSCAD thanked the guest speakers saying the very essence of the Forum is to equip students with a range of intellectual tools to deal with the complex world.

 

Reported by Omole and Gift