Only 48 per cent of the population in Africa, approximately 615 million people, receives the health care services they need, says a report by independent Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) Commission.
The “State of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa Report’’ is a comprehensive document that maps the progress of African countries towards their UHC goals.
According to it, Africa’s health systems are poorly attuned to meet the health care needs of the poor, the disabled and other vulnerable groups, with coverage of essential health care services in Africa being decidedly low.
The executive summary of the report was released on the first day of AHAIC 2021, a biennial convening of health ministers, private sector leaders, civil society and representatives from multilateral organisations taking place virtually from March 8 to March 10, 2021.
AHAIC 2021 conference, co-convened by Amref Health Africa, Africa CDC, IFPMA, Johnson & Johnson, Roche and Takeda has its theme as : “Decade for Action: Driving Momentum to Achieve UHC in Africa.”
The conference brings together thought leaders in the health space, including government officials, private sector stakeholders, technical experts and grassroots organizers, to move the needle on UHC in Africa in sustainable and innovative ways.
The report said: “Only 48 per cent of the population (approximately 615 million people) receives the health care services they need.
“Quality of health care services provided in African countries is also low.
“It is considered the poorest performing indicator of UHC, when quality of health care services is considered, service coverage scores across African countries are even lower,’’ the report said.
The report also reveals that coverage of essential services needed by women and girls in Africa is low, with data indicating that between 2015 to 2019, only 49 per cent of African women had their demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods.
In spite the dismal performance on some indicators, a number of data indications were positive.
“For example, although the proportion of individuals that are pushed into poverty due to out-of-pocket health care payments each year is high, at 15 million people, representing 1.4 per cent of the continent’s population, the number is gradually reducing.
“Despite these challenges, the report concedes that the 21st century has seen African leaders show stronger political will to achieve UHC, creating an opportunity for countries to push the needle on change.
“The commission highlights key opportunities that African countries can leverage to accelerate progress towards UHC, including political will, well-trained and competent health professionals and projected economic growth,’’ a statement by AHAIC commission said.
In its recommendations, the commission proposes several actions to ensure steady progress towards UHC.
They include re-orienting health systems and health system priorities to respond to population health needs; prioritising and strengthening primary health care as the foundation for UHC.
Also, investing in strengthening health system inputs through, for example, boosting the number of skilled health workers especially in primary health care; investing in health technologies to enhance the performance of all health system functions and strengthening governance and accountability.
The document also provides key recommendations for transformative change, which African countries should adopt to accelerate progress towards UHC.
Compiled between November 2020 and March 2021, the State of UHC in Africa report takes stock of Africa’s progress in fulfilling commitments made by African leaders, such as the Abuja Declaration (2001), the Africa Health Strategy (2007-2015, 2016-2030) and the Addis Ababa Call to Action on UHC (2019).
It acknowledges the impact of colonial legacies, poor governance, and economic challenges on the continent’s health policies and outcomes.
The report also details the performance of African countries on key UHC indicators, including effective coverage with needed health services, financial risk protection and health outcomes.