When we talk about the 10 unhealthiest countries in the world we can’t ignore the fact that our world has shown great advancement in health and medicine, especially in the last few decades. Then why some countries are still living beyond the line when it comes to providing basic needs for health and medicine to its citizen? There is no definite answer to this question but the economic condition of any country is a major contributor to its health system. It is generally seen that poor countries are often the ones that fail to provide good health system to its citizens. The wealthier, more economically stable nations of the world often provide funds to these countries but even then the required results are not attained.
When we talk about the health of a nation, we are not only referring to the physical health but also the environmental, social and mental health of its citizen. The combination of all these factors determines how healthy a nation is. A particular country might be physically healthy but if its urban areas are producing too much environment pollution then this country must not be considered healthy overall. The same implies when people of any particular country are suffering from preventable diseases, but they don’t have the required medicines at their disposal.
Global organizations like WHO and other not for profit bodies are working hard to make this world a better place. They are doing everything in their capacity to eradicate illnesses and promote good health in countries that lack basic healthcare structure. Millions of dollars are being funded to these countries and a lot of progress has been made. What we need now are a little more time and efforts!
In our efforts to make the healthcare infrastructure better in poor countries, it is important that we learn from the nations that are doing it right. Our article “Country-by-Country Life Expectancy; The World’s 15 Healthiest Countries” is bound to help in this regard. For now let us focus on our list of unhealthiest countries of the world – don’t be surprised if you have never heard the names of some of these countries. Also, keep in mind that most of these countries are very small.
10. Liberia
Number ten on our list of 10 unhealthiest countries in the world is Liberia. It is one of the poorest countries in Africa and “treatable diseases not being treated” is the main reason for its poor healthcare condition. The country has 1 doctor for 100,000 of its citizens.
9. Chad
Another country in Africa, Chad has got probably the most disturbed healthcare system of the world. The basic medical facilities are either unavailable or often reserved for the rich people. Chad is most affected by malaria which may prove deadly at times.
8. Haiti
The main problem with this country is vaccination. Most children are not vaccinated and thus easily become the target of diseases like flu, diarrhea, malaria and more. More than 50% of children in Haiti remain unvaccinated.
7. Burkina Faso
Number 7 on our list of 10 unhealthiest countries in the world is Burkina Faso. You are not to be blamed if you have never heard of this country before. Burkina Faso is a small country of Africa, which is struggling to keep its healthcare system intact. The country has only 9 docs for 100,000 people. There are many other diseases which make this country troubled.
6. Central African Republic
Central African Republic is a small country in Africa and its main problem is HIV and extreme low numbers of doctors available.
5. Lesotho
The number of HIV-infected people in Lesotho is one of the highest in the world. It is about 24% which means every 1 out of 2 people is suffering from it. Organizations from all around the world are trying hard to better these numbers.
4. Mozambique
Mozambique has a healthcare system that needs a lot of attention. The government is trying hard to improve but often faces a lot of financial constraints. The mortality rate is the most disturbing here … it’s 100 for 1,000 infants.
3. Swaziland
Low life expectancy and very high numbers of HIV patients are what makes Swaziland one of the unhealthiest countries of the world. The country’s healthcare system only gets a small amount of budget.
2. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was never in this list until 2000. It had a pretty stable healthcare structure until its economic downfall. Now the country fights rising numbers of HIV cases and sanitation problem that leads to many diseases.
1. Malawi
The number one in our list of unhealthiest countries in the world is Malawi. With low life expectancy, high numbers of HIV cases, extremely low awareness and other troublesome diseases, Malawi is a country that needs more attention globally.
