
Allama Elmehdi
International Consultant in Health Economic and Financing, United Arab EmiratesPresentation Title:
Transnational collaboration and diplomacy: Keys to strengthening primary healthcare financing for sustainable global health systems
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the global necessity of transnational collaboration and health diplomacy in building resilient and equitable health systems. Primary healthcare (PHC), as the cornerstone of universal health coverage (UHC) and health security, has been chronically underfinanced, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods: This article reviews Dr. Allama Elmehdi’s abstract and presentation at the 3rd Primary Health and Public Health Conference (2025) Prepared for academic, governmental, and policy audiences to support strategic dialogue on primary healthcare system strengthening and sustainable health financing, enriched with official institutional data (WHO, World Bank, BMJ Global Health, etc…) to explore the role of collaboration and diplomacy in PHC financing.
Results: The findings highlight that strengthening PHC requires coordinated action across sectors and borders. Key financing challenges include donor dependence, fragmentation, and lack of domestic investment. Collaborative models and diplomatic engagements show potential to enhance resource mobilization, policy alignment, and system integration.
Discussion: The paper elaborates on the need for multisectoral engagement, innovative financing tools, and global solidarity. Health diplomacy emerged as a critical mechanism to negotiate shared health goals and transnational resource flows.
Conclusion: A unified approach to PHC financing, guided by health diplomacy and collective accountability, is essential to achieving UHC and the SDGs. Health knows no borders, gender, or generation, but the cost of inaction is high. Sustainable solutions depend on quality of collaboration, coordination & diplomacy.
Biography
Allama Elmehdi is a distinguished Mauritanian medical doctor, health economist, and biotechnologist entrepreneur with over a decade of experience spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. She holds advanced degrees in medicine, health economics, biotechnology, and international business, as well as certifications in communication, public health, and market access strategy. Known for her dynamic presence and resilience, Elmehdi has built a notable career in health entrepreneurship and policy, with recognized expertise in health diplomacy, African market access, and regulatory frameworks. Despite her visibility in media and international forums, Elmehdi remains a private individual. Her public engagement stems from a deep sense of duty to respond to global health challenges, not personal ambition. She actively participates in high-level dialogues and policy-shaping events, including platforms like the African Harm Reduction Conference, BRICS Health Security Dialogue, and the International Health Economics Association. As a speaker, moderator, and advisor, she focuses on sustainable healthcare systems, health financing, pharmaceutical and biotech market access, and inclusive, multisectoral collaborations. Her advocacy centers on improving healthcare in developing countries through global partnerships and policy innovation. Elmehdi is widely connected and continues to influence global health strategies through her work and leadership.