In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 unhealthiest countries in Africa. For a detailed analysis on health market, visit 15 Unhealthiest Countries In Africa.
5. Somalia
Insider Monkey Score: 5
Somalia ranks as the worst country for maternal health, with high maternal and infant mortality rates. In 2023, Somalia allocated 8.5% of its budget to health but spent only 7%, an improvement from 2022 when just 1.3% was spent despite a 10.6% allocation. The CIA estimates Somalia’s total health expenditure in 2023 at $26.351 billion.
4. Lesotho
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Lesotho is severely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. In addition to HIV/AIDS, Lesotho faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, and diabetes. In 2022-23, the Government of Lesotho maintained its health and education budget allocations at 13% and 11%, the same as in 2021-22.
3. Chad
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Chad is off course to meet global nutrition targets, with high rates of malnutrition affecting both children and adults. Approximately 31.1% of children under five are stunted, and 10.2% suffer from wasting, both figures being higher than the regional averages. The prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age is also concerning, affecting 45.4% of women aged 15 to 49 years. In 2023, Chad committed to increasing health sector spending to 15%, focusing on free emergency care, and HIV services, and reducing maternal mortality. UNICEF reported a 35% funding increase from 2022, with a 100% budget utilization by year-end. UNICEF’s 2023 health budget includes $2.5 million for health, $331,700 for HIV/AIDS, and $46.9 million for nutrition.
2. South Sudan
Insider Monkey Score: 2
South Sudan is one of the unhealthiest countries in the world. The country struggles with high rates of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. South Sudan allocates less than 2% of its national budget to health. In 2017, public health spending was 0.8% of GDP, below the regional average of 2.4% and its income group’s 2.1%. By 2020, health expenditure rose to 5.3% of GDP. The RTGoNU covers about 2% of South Sudan’s healthcare needs, relying heavily on donors for training, medicine, and services. The World Bank contributed a $200 million grant in 2021 to support healthcare in remote and conflict areas.
1. Central African Republic
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Central African Republic tops the list for being the unhealthiest country in Africa. The population faces high risks from diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and leprosy. Water-borne diseases like typhoid and diarrhea are prevalent due to limited access to clean water, with only 37% of the population having access to safe water. Vaccination rates are also low, with only 41% of the population vaccinated against yellow fever, far below the 80% threshold needed for herd immunity. The Central African Republic has an extremely high mortality rate, with 5.6% of the population dying annually, which is more than double the rate of any other country in the world. The birth rate is 42.6 per 1,000 per year, but high infant mortality and pregnancy loss rates suggest severe health challenges for mothers and infants.
If you want to learn about more unhealthy countries in Africa, visit 15 Unhealthiest Countries in Africa.
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