Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla

Polokwane, Limpopo – Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla has called on Group of 20 leaders to face the structural barriers that slow down progress in boosting public funds and building solid primary healthcare systems. He stressed that putting money into health is key for world stability and growth. This message came as he spoke to delegates at the G20 Health Ministerial Meeting at the Ranch Resort. The two-day gathering brings together health leaders to talk about big issues and find ways to work better together. With South Africa leading the G20 this year, the meeting is a chance to push for fair health care that helps everyone, especially in poorer countries. As talks go on, many hope this leads to real steps that make health systems stronger and more ready for future problems.
The event focuses on turning ideas into actions, with a spotlight on diseases like tuberculosis and ways to get health care to all people. Leaders from around the world are sharing thoughts on how to make global health fairer and tougher against threats.
Pushing for Better Health Investments
Dr Phaahla pointed out the tough money problems many countries face in health care. “The financial stresses facing the health sector in many nations serve as a crucial reminder that health is fundamentally an investment in global stability and economic prosperity,” he said. He explained that these stresses show why leaders must see health spending as a smart choice for long-term good.
The deputy minister said the meeting’s plan is not just about chats but about making clear results. “Our agenda reflects our determination to tackle complex health threats through cooperation,” he added. This approach aims to build stronger ties among nations to handle big health risks together.
Key Talks on Tuberculosis and Universal Health Coverage
One main part of the meeting is a session on tuberculosis, a disease that still hits hard in many places. Leaders will look at ways to fight it better, sharing ideas on new treatments and stopping its spread. This is important for countries like South Africa, where TB is a big health issue.
Another big topic is health financing for universal health coverage. This means finding ways to make sure everyone can get care without big costs. “The afternoon session on health financing for UHC is perhaps the most critical. It allows us to explore sustainable models, including the role of public investment, and to jointly examine how global economic forces impact national health budgets,” Phaahla said. He hopes this leads to shared ideas on how to secure steady funds for strong health systems.
The group will also discuss the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment, a plan to get more money for fighting HIV, TB, and malaria. This fund has helped save many lives, and leaders want to keep it strong.
Making Medical Advances Available to All
The meeting starts with a focus on getting new science to help everyone. A key point is making lenacapavir, a new drug for stopping HIV, cheap and easy to get. This long-acting injection could change how we prevent HIV, but high costs keep it out of reach for many. “It begins with a crucial focus on ensuring that scientific progress benefits everyone, with our discussion on making lenacapavir affordable and available for all,” Phaahla noted. This fits with the G20’s goal of fair access to health breakthroughs.
Leaders will work to find common ground on these issues, building a shared plan for better health worldwide.
The Joint Finance and Health Meeting
The gathering ends with the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting, linking money matters to health goals. “This joint forum is a powerful signal of our collective recognition that fiscal policy and health outcomes are inextricably linked,” Phaahla said. Bringing finance and health ministers together helps turn health plans into real actions with solid funding.
This meeting is vital for making sure health gets the money it needs, especially in tough economic times.
South Africa’s Role in the G20 Health Agenda
As G20 chair, South Africa is guiding these talks to mix health work from the year. “The Health Ministers’ Meeting aims to synthesise and integrate the work of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in Health,” Phaahla explained. This includes pushing for fair access to new treatments and stronger systems against diseases.
South Africa has faced its own health tests, like with HIV and TB, and uses this to lead talks on what works. The country’s push for better primary care and more public funds shows a way forward for others.
Phaahla called on all to show respect and work towards bold goals. “The solutions we seek require bold thinking, sustained effort, and unwavering solidarity,” he concluded. As the meeting wraps up, many look forward to plans that make health better for all.

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Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla Urges G20 Leaders to Tackle Health Financing Challenges at Polokwane Meeting

Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla

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