Siemens Healthineers VP Kevin Massoudi Shares Insights on Healthcare Collaboration at International Health Ministers Summit in Kigali
By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU
Kigali, Rwanda – December 5, 2024 – Kevin Massoudi, Vice President and Head of Public Sector Engagement for the Middle East and Africa at Siemens Healthineers, shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare collaboration at the International Health Ministers Summit held in Kigali.
The two-day event, which concluded today, brought together health experts and decision-makers to explore the future of health systems across Africa and beyond.
In an exclusive interview, Massoudi emphasized the significance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing the complex challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries.
“While public-private partnerships have typically been the focus, we are beginning to see a shift towards a more inclusive model that encompasses collaboration between public entities, private organizations, international bodies, and NGOs,” he noted.
“No single stakeholder possesses all the tools or insights necessary to tackle these intricate challenges effectively.” Massoudi pointed to recent successes in private sector collaboration within the public sector, notably Siemens Healthineers’ role in the Global Alliance for Women’s Health, supported by the World Economic Forum.
The initiative aims to unite various stakeholders in combating breast and cervical cancer, aligning efforts with government health ministries in Kenya and Zambia.
“Our goal is to close the gap between current practices and the targets set by initiatives like the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative,” he explained.
Reflecting on the summit, Massoudi highlighted two key themes that emerged: the necessity for innovative approaches to break historical cycles and the importance of trust among stakeholders.
“Minister Sabin’s (Rwanda’s Minister of Health) remarks on doing things differently resonated deeply. Collaboration is the new innovation we need,” he said.
“Moreover, the transparent conversations that took place here were critical in fostering successful partnerships.”
As the summit concluded, Massoudi expressed enthusiasm for the future of healthcare in Africa, asserting that the discussions held over the past two days are just the beginning.
“This conference has set the stage for impactful collaborations that extend beyond mere dialogue. We are committed to transforming these conversations into tangible outcomes that will strengthen health systems across the continent,” he affirmed.
The International Health Ministers Summit served as a vital platform for stakeholders to engage, share expertise, and lay the groundwork for a healthier future in Africa through collaborative efforts.
