Health systems across African countries face inefficient and insufficient working modules that impact human health. In the 21st century, global initiatives to improve global health began with the establishment of the African Union (AU) to enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the African Union’s performance in attaining 21st-century health needs in Africa with governance as a mediating role. The study was guided by 5 research questions and informed by pertinent governance, financing, quality, and distribution theories. each providing a specific lens through which to analyze the complex dynamics of the African health initiatives and their impact on 21st-century health needs in Africa A qualitative grounded theory was used for in-depth exploration of the healthcare initiatives and to develop a comprehensive theory that captures the interplay of health governance, health financing, and health outcomes in Africa. Purposive multi-stage sampling was used to draw the sample of this study from the population of African Nations that make up the AU. Burkina Faso, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe were sampled. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
The study’s findings revealed the significance of well-designed health financing policies and efficient money transfer systems for attaining health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The African CDC’s strategic agenda is vital in disease detection, partnerships, and emergency preparedness. The study found that access to quality medicines is crucial, with innovative approaches and proper dosage forms ensuring positive health outcomes. African State governments contribute through transparency, coalition building, equitable resource allocation, and policy implementation. The findings led to developing Health Systems Dynamics Theory.
This study comprehensively explains the intricate dynamics driving 21st-century health needs achievement in African nations. By investigating key factors, policies, and stakeholders, the research underscores the importance of financing, collaborative efforts, access to quality medicines, and effective governance in fostering sustainable and equitable healthcare systems in the African continent. Future research on how enacting and strengthening adaptive governance structures within the health systems of AU member states will ensure ongoing effectiveness in Africa’s healthcare system.