Serious shortcomings identified in the healthcare systems of 32 African countries

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Extract from the article: A recent assessment carried out in 601 district hospitals in 32 sub-Saharan African countries has highlighted a worrying and urgent reality. The study, carried out in 2022, reveals glaring shortcomings in various areas of the healthcare system, rangi

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A recent assessment carried out in 601 district hospitals in 32 sub-Saharan African countries has highlighted a worrying and urgent reality. The study, carried out in 2022, reveals glaring shortcomings in various areas of the healthcare system, ranging from infrastructure and service delivery to the availability of human resources and equipment. These are the findings of the report released by the Africa Surgery Initiative 2030 on 20 November 2023 in Cotonou, Benin.

Around 75% of the countries covered by the study do not have a National Plan for Surgery, Obstetrics and Anaesthesia. In addition, the density of specialist health professionals such as surgeons, anaesthetists and obstetricians is only 1.36 per 100,000 inhabitants. A quarter of district hospitals lack electricity and water, while only one in twenty-five has internet access.

This situation highlights the vulnerability and intrinsic weakness of the health systems in these countries. Despite recent medical advances, surgery, obstetrics and anaesthesia still face major challenges. Only 26.3% of district hospitals are able to provide a blood transfusion within two hours of a request, underlining the urgency of the situation.

Urgent need for concerted actionIt is crucial to note that this situation is not irremediable.Significant investment in infrastructure, ongoing training of medical staff and the development of surgery in Africa could reverse this worrying trend.However, this requires unprecedented political commitment and community mobilisation.

Dr Pierre M'pelé, coordinator of the study's international scientific team, stressed the importance of decisive political action in his speech at the international symposium in May 2022. « Political action will make the difference because it must be like the surgeon's scalpel: leave no room for uncertainty », he said.

« Africa Surgery Initiative 2030 » : a glimmer of hope

« The Africa Surgery Initiative 2030 » was launched to encourage coordinated investment and action to improve access to quality surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care by 2030.This initiative is based on the Dakar Declaration and its Regional Action Plan 2022-2030 aimed at stepping up interventions and strengthening healthcare systems.

Towards universal health coverage

The challenge is immense, but it is vital that all healthcare systems, particularly district hospitals, undergo a thorough review.The objective is clear: « to guarantee access to safe and affordable quality surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care for all African citizens by 2030 ».

With less than 7 years to go, the challenge of providing quality surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care for all is colossal. The commitment of African governments and their citizens is essential to achieving this goal.

It is imperative to step up efforts to overhaul health systems in depth, particularly at district hospital level, in order to guarantee universal health coverage.

Raymond DZAKPATA