From Our Special Correspondent in Nairobi – Meriem KHDIMALLAH
African Health Systems Face Structural Challenges; Stakeholders Call for New Cooperation and Innovation Models
La Presse – On March 4‑5, 2026, Nairobi hosted the Africa Press Day 2026, organized by Roche under the theme “Health: What Value?”. Public officials, experts and industry leaders gathered to discuss possible solutions for strengthening the resilience of health systems across the continent.
In a side‑meeting with the event, Maturin Tchoumi, Head of Pharma International Africa at Roche, gave La Presse an exclusive interview in which he analysed today’s challenges and outlined future pathways for African health. He highlighted the role of the media, the importance of public‑private partnerships (PPPs), the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI), and the prospects for scientific research development—especially in Tunisia.
The Press: A Key Player in the Health Debate
For Tchoumi, a distinctive feature of Africa Press Day is putting journalists at the centre of health‑policy discussions.
“Health is often debated among health professionals, but it should also be discussed with those who have a voice to the public. Journalists explain things in a way that can encourage citizens to adopt the right health behaviours,” he said.
In a context where prevention and early detection have become critical, information and education are essential levers for improving health outcomes.
However, beyond communication, financing remains the biggest hurdle for African health systems.
“Health problems in Africa have been well identified, and financing has been an issue for years. But the situation has worsened in some countries with the reduction of contributions from certain international partners,” Tchoumi explained.
Budget constraints directly affect access to essential services. In several countries, for example, HIV testing and treatment are compromised by a lack of resources.
Tchoumi stresses the need to re‑frame health as an economic investment:
“If we stop investing in health, it costs the economy and society. Three African countries lost nearly $10 million in productivity between 2017‑2023 due to inadequate cancer care.”
He concludes: “Inaction has a cost. Investing in health is also investing in growth and economic development.”
Public‑Private Partnerships: A Lever for Action
Given the financing gap, PPPs emerge as a vital strategy to reinforce health systems. Roche has launched several such initiatives across Africa, notably in Tunisia.
- Tunisia (2023) – Roche signed a partnership with the Tunisian Ministry of Health to digitalise the patient pathway for multiple sclerosis care, aiming to improve patient follow‑up and coordination among care providers.
Beyond digitalisation, these collaborations explore telemedicine and remote consultations, which can reduce access inequalities in regions with few specialists.
A Success Story: Côte d’Ivoire
For about a decade, Roche has worked with the Ivorian government to strengthen cancer care. The partnership involves co‑investment in health‑system upgrades and sustainable access to treatments.
“We also set up a mechanism to offer our anticancer drugs at sustainable prices,” Tchoumi noted.
After ten years, the model has yielded tangible results and valuable lessons. The next challenge is scaling the approach to other African nations, while respecting each country’s regulatory framework and national priorities.
Artificial Intelligence: A Tool for Physicians
AI is reshaping health care, but Tchoumi cautions against viewing it as a threat to clinicians.
“AI will not replace doctors. It can take on tasks that don’t necessarily require human intervention.”
Examples include automatic transcription of consultations, medical‑record analysis, and pre‑visit data preparation—freeing physicians to focus on patient interaction and clinical decision‑making.
“The goal is to free up time so doctors can see more patients and improve care quality.”
Optimistic Outlook for African Scientific Research
Tchoumi is hopeful about the continent’s research future. He points to several growth drivers:
- Increasing numbers of locally trained scientists
- Better access to knowledge and data
- Rapid advances in AI‑driven drug discovery
“If leadership is present, Africa can become a major R&D player, just as China has in recent years.”
Roche contributes to this vision through initiatives such as the African Genomic Program, a research project focused on African genomics. In Tunisia, the program partners with the Ministry of Health and the Institut Pasteur to support genomic research and deepen understanding of specific pathologies.
Encouraging Progress in Tunisia
Despite widespread challenges, Tunisia demonstrates how coordinated public policy, partnerships, and awareness can yield results.
- Breast‑cancer early detection: Over 60 % of women now seek care at an early stage, dramatically improving survival rates.
“When the state takes these issues seriously and partnerships work, real progress is possible,” Tchoumi affirmed.
He remains convinced that Africa possesses the human resources and capacity to transform its health systems.
“I stay optimistic. Progress is real, and with the right decisions, the continent can take a new step forward in health‑system development.”
Keywords: African health systems, public‑private partnerships, Roche, AI in healthcare, Tunisia health innovation, cancer care, African research, digital health, telemedicine, Africa Press Day 2026
