Philips launches 'Fabric of Africa' campaign

1 Mar 2013

Philips Electronics has launched "Fabric of Africa" - a collaborative campaign to drive public-private partnerships and to improve healthcare access across the continent. The main intention of the campaign is to develop meaningful partnerships with local and international stakeholders to improve healthcare delivery in the areas of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), maternal and child health, and healthcare infrastructure, delivery and clinical training.

Speaking about the campaign, Peter van de Ven, general manager for Philips Healthcare Africa, said: "Creating effective healthcare solutions in Africa requires not only innovative solutions but also the ability to facilitate connections among suitable resources, people and technologies. Our campaign is about teaming up with key stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and the private sector, to create sustainable public-private partnerships".

The Philips Fabric of Africa campaign focuses on women as the 'fabric' of Africa and uses this theme to highlight the importance of healthy women and the positive impact they have on the continent. The campaign reflects the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals (specifically goals 4 and 5), focusing on three key areas:

Maternal and child health

In 2010 more women died in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world, with the region accounting for more than half (56%) of the 287 000 deaths recorded globally. Child mortality is also high, with 29% of global neonatal deaths occurring in Africa.

Non-communicable diseases (specifically breast, cervical and cardiac health)

By 2021 more people will die from NCDs in Africa than anywhere else in the world, with an expected death rate of 27% compared to 17% globally. Cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in Africa, followed by breast cancer.

Cardiovascular disease is the second most common cause of death in Africa after infectious diseases, accounting for 11% of total deaths. The main causes are smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and high cholesterol.

Infrastructure rehabilitation and clinical training

In many African countries, there is a chronic shortage of healthcare infrastructure and suitable equipment and technology. Additionally, the lack of availability of trained and skilled healthcare professionals is an ongoing challenge to effective patient care.

eHealth solutions

During the course of the campaign, Philips aims to introduce innovative, cost-appropriate health technologies and eHealth solutions to the African market. Through local and international partnerships, the company will provide financing solutions, technical assistance and support to strengthen health systems, and a training framework to increase the output of trained and skilled healthcare professionals in the continent.

For more, go to www.philips.com/FabricofAfrica.