Investing in Chronic Healthcare in Africa

Investing in Chronic Healthcare in Africa. Should I Invest or not?

We have been exploring how healthcare investment can disrupt the existing cycle of chronic illness and financial instability, particularly in Africa. Chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease, haemophilia, and thalassemia are not just medical challenges—they are economic ones.

The lack of access to timely and effective care leads to frequent hospitalizations, pushing families further into financial difficulty. This cycle—poor health, limited access to care, worsened conditions, and more hospital visits—drains resources and limits potential.

The tragic part is that many of these hospitalizations are preventable. Early intervention and effective management can reduce the need for hospital stays and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Yet, why are these solutions so difficult to implement?

Private Sector Investment: A Critical Player

An insightful report by IFC Health in Africa points to the private sector’s significant role in healthcare financing. Currently, 60% of healthcare financing in Africa comes from private sources, and around 50% of health expenditure is directed to private providers. This clearly indicates how much the private sector already contributes to healthcare across the continent, especially in primary care and large-scale hospital infrastructure. However, the area of chronic disease management remains underfunded. Despite the private sector's involvement, there are gaps, particularly when providing affordable and specialized care for long-term conditions.

An Article by Invest in Africa highlights that while private sector players have had success in primary care and general hospital infrastructure, new investors are hesitant to tap into areas of healthcare that deal with long-term chronic conditions. They worry about affordability and the high costs of treatment. There is also a belief that these models are not scalable or will not yield immediate returns. This scepticism makes it difficult to attract the necessary investment for the specialized care millions across Africa desperately need.

Unfortunately, as a result, many health initiatives seeking funding often face scepticism. When pitching their models, founders and innovators are met with statements like:

• “The patients can’t afford it.”

• “The model isn’t scalable.”

  
  

This is where the frustration kicks in. Many health startups are forced to rely on grants, which are highly competitive and not guaranteed. And when those grants fall through, what happens to the patients who need care? Do they remain trapped in that vicious cycle of worsening health leading to more financial constraints with no solution in sight?

The Real Problem: Unmanaged Conditions, Not Lack of Resources

Here is the truth: individuals with chronic conditions are not financially strained because of their health—they face these challenges due to a lack of timely access to care. Without adequate and early treatment, chronic illness robs people of opportunities to work, study, and improve their circumstances. This lack of intervention makes it harder for them to afford future healthcare needs, trapping them in a cycle of deepening financial strain. To break this cycle, the solution is clear: investing in accessible and affordable healthcare will break the cycle.

A Healthier Population = Economic Growth

Here is the paradox: investing in people’s health is not just an act of compassion—it’s a smart business decision. A healthy population is a productive population. People who are healthy can work longer hours, develop businesses, contribute to the economy, and spend money on goods and services. This creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone—including investors.

That said, we truly admire the innovators and founders who keep fighting to change the system—those who continue pushing for better healthcare access despite the barriers they face. We need to rethink healthcare, especially in underserved regions. By investing in people's health, we invest in their future, and that benefits everyone in the long run.

At Hemora, we are committed to disrupting the cycle where unmanaged chronic conditions deplete resources, limit opportunities, and stifle growth. The Access to Care Hypothesis highlights how timely healthcare reduces hospitalizations, saving not only lives but also enabling people to redirect resources toward education, work, and entrepreneurship. We have seen firsthand how early intervention empowers individuals to lead and build thriving enterprises, proving that accessible care fuels both personal and economic growth. By continuing to champion better healthcare solutions, we aim to unlock this potential for everyone.

#African Healthcare #Chronic illnesses