How Africa is Transforming its Economy and Health Systems
During Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli’s visit to our Conversations in Health: Global to Local class, the entrepreneur shared that she began her philanthropic work because she believes that the way one is born should not determine how they live. This sentiment is especially important within the context of African-led initiatives, where I learned that foreign aid is only a temporary solution. Yet, this aid should never have existed, as centuries of exploitation from the same countries now sending monetary assistance have stolen the wealth out of Africa. While the withdrawal of aid is terrible for the country, it serves as a revelation to support African sovereignty, ending years of external influence that has done anything but support the continent.
Nwuneli’s exemplification of how Africa is a return investment rather than a risk is highly relevant to today’s conversation, as the continent is still viewed as only having the possibility of success instead of acknowledging the reasoning behind this fallacy. This discussion has made me rethink the saviorism that has been prevalent throughout my life: instead of allowing outdated narratives to direct my thinking, I will research the systems in place that have orchestrated this outlook, searching for a reason I believe these statements.
Amidst my unlearning, when asked what we as ordinary citizens can do to help Africa, Nwuneli gave the insight that it is our prerogative to hold these companies accountable and to advocate for fairer working conditions. While I was initially disheartened from this response, not seeing a clearer way to support this mission, Nwuneli has unveiled a new perspective on advocacy’s efforts as she reminded the class to “plant trees even if you will never sit in the shade,” reminding the us that activism takes time — although we may never see the results, it does not negate the fact that advocacy is a worthwhile mission.
Furthermore, Nwuneli’s comment about being the first—but not the last—Black woman to serve as president and chief executive officer of the ONE Campaign deeply resonated with me. Within these global partnerships, we must emphasize diversity in all that we do, from geographical to economic to political. We have a common enemy of poverty and disease, and it is important to allow different perspectives to reveal how we can best combat it. Reflecting on this, I recognize the counterproductivity that division can lead to, placing lives on the line.
Ultimately, what I will keep in mind as someone who will pursue a career in health care and health-related policy is that the people who overstay their welcome are rulers, not leaders. I have never thought of sitting activists like this before, but it reminded me of how all revolutionaries cannot allow the presence of power to keep them from their liberating mission. Nwuneli reminded me of why I chose Georgetown University: to be an advocate for others. The blatant manipulation of an entire continent’s resources, from its precious minerals to its thriving young workforce, should never have existed and should end today.
Katherine Claes (H’29) is an undergraduate student majoring in healthcare management and policy at Georgetown University.