In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with limited access to health care. If you wish to learn about more, head straight to the 25 Countries With Limited Access To Healthcare.
5. Sierra Leone
Physicians per Million People: 22
Sierra Leone stand among the countries that has the least medical care , especially in maternal health. Obstetric hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death (39.4%), followed by hypertensive disorders (15.8%) and pregnancy-related infections (10.1%). Communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs) dominate the health landscape, with respiratory infections, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and HIV-AIDS causing significant premature mortality. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease and cancer also pose significant challenges.
4. Ethiopia
Physicians per Million People: 22
Ethiopia stands fourth among the countries with limited access to health care, with 18% lacking healthcare facilities within a two-hour walk. In 2019, 559,997 deaths occurred, with higher rates among males. The health workforce increased from 46,000 in 2007 to 159,545 in 2019, with the Health Extension Programme improving coverage in underserved areas. Challenges remain in service quality, financing, pharmaceutical supply, insurance, and utilization.
3. Niger
Physicians per Million People: 19
Niger’s healthcare system faces challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure, exacerbated by socio-economic issues and a high disease burden. COVID-19 has strained the fragile healthcare system, with 172 deaths recorded. Malaria is a leading cause of death, especially among children under five. Other prevalent issues include malnutrition, with over 47% of young children affected. USAID initiatives focus on enhancing resilience, nutrition, healthcare access, and maternal and child health to improve overall health outcomes.
2. Malawi
Physicians per Million People: 19
Malawi has one of the worst healthcare systems. Surgical conditions account for 26.9% of reported deaths, with many occurring outside health facilities due to limited access. Only 21.3% of deaths from treatable surgical conditions receive surgical care, highlighting access gaps. Prevalent diseases include diarrhea (5154 cases per 1000 children aged 0-4), cataracts, and measles. With a GDP per capita of US$411 in 2019, Malawi’s healthcare expenditure was 7% of GDP, reflecting economic constraints.
1. Liberia
Physicians per Million People: 14
Liberia’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited access to services, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare workers (only 0.01 physicians per 1,000 people), making Liberia stand first among the countries with limited access to health care. Malaria remains a leading cause of death, alongside lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are prevalent. Maternal mortality rates are also high due to childbirth complications and limited access to skilled healthcare providers.
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