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Global Future of Development

Global Future of Development

February 1, 2015

Responding To: Week 2: The Ebola Epidemic Highlights Practical and Moral Challenges for Global Institutions

Preferential Options for Strengthening Health Systems in Poor Countries

Wilmot Allen

Dr. Kim’s address was both inspiring and informative for establishing a broad-based response to the Ebola crisis.  His reference to Liberation Theology provoked my thinking about how this theological tradition championed by Gustavo Gutierrez contributed: i) a new exegetical framework for connecting the plight of the poor to a larger social justice agenda; and ii) a philosophy for operationalizing solidarity with the poor.  I offer ideas influenced by this reflection about lessons from the Ebola crisis for key decision makers. My commentary underscores the importance of addressing the plight of health systems in poor countries by engaging commercial and private sector allies in: i) expanding mental maps through greater education about pandemics and disparities in health care systems; and ii) improving coordination among private investors in health systems in poor countries.

Related to strategies for creating new mental maps, one approach to consider is the “exegetical” exercise of interpreting information about disparities in the capacity of regional health systems and contextualizing it better within the larger narratives of globalization and international cooperation.  Exploring new ways to disseminate information produced by the development community through commercial media can help eliminate misconceptions and biases which can impede pandemic prevention and response. Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, helped create greater awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change among the general public. Collaboration between health system experts from the WHO and Hollywood studios and media-tech entrepreneurs can produce more creative ways to improve messaging. Ebola Deeply is an exemplary resource in this regard. The progress in combating the AIDs epidemic has been aided by the involvement of an army of celebrities. Engaging these social entrepreneurs to create greater awareness about systemic issues should be considered.

Regarding resource mobilization for health systems in poor countries, greater effort to coordinate private investment can address systemic failures in health services. Capital flows from richer nations to less developed countries as investments in health services to consumers at the “Base of the Pyramid” are increasing among SME growth equity funds and impact investors. These are free market approaches which make a business case for “solidarity” with the poor. Development institutions are important investment and technical assistance partners for these efforts.  More effective strategic planning and targeted coordination across regions and investment funds can direct capital to the best opportunities for financial and social returns. Insights from the public health community, entrepreneurs and international investors taken together can perhaps identify promising new business models and sectors that will strengthen health systems in poor countries. These are “preferential options” that can help support preventative care, early warning systems, financing mechanisms and delivery vehicles to forestall pandemic threats. 

Wilmot Allen is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of Government at Georgetown University, where he researches comparative political economy of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. In addition, Allen works as Principal of 1 World Enterprises, an advisory firm focusing on emerging markets.

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