Medical Aid is Not Available for Many Africans

Healthcare is a basic necessity that many of us are accustomed to. Health insurance, doctors and hospitals that are available when we need their help, and the implementation of tele-medicine are all conveniences that most people rely on in their daily lives.

Sadly, this is not the case in many places, Africa being one of them. Considering the fact that Africa is home to over 1 billion people, their availability of doctors and healthcare services is strikingly low — making the occurrence if a looming health crisis exceedingly likely.

Why is Healthcare so Scarce in Africa?

Despite their large percentage of the global population, only 2% of doctors serve the African public. The sheer size of this continent along with its tendency for drought conditions, food insecurity, and regular conflict make healthcare even more of a priority, yet still their healthcare systems are over worked and in disarray.

There is no universal healthcare in Africa, which means that many residents go without health insurance and are less able to afford expensive medical bills. This means more Africans are dealing with untreated medical concerns, resulting in worsening conditions that might have been prevented with the right timing and proper care.

What Can Be Done?

Providing funding to international organizations that serve the African public is a good start to improving this health crisis. Doctors and medical professionals often travel to African countries to provide free medical care, but they cannot do so without funding. However, even this improvement is a temporary fix at best: eventually a more permanent solution must be established.

Implementing a universal healthcare system in Africa is the most effective way to provide lasting change for the people living in African countries. This will allow them to receive the preventative, emergency, and ongoing care they need to improve their health and decrease their rising mortality rates.

Conclusion

Though universal healthcare is not yet being implemented in Africa, it’s the best solution to the ongoing healthcare crisis African countries are facing. In a continent where the weather is often unforgiving and conflict is a common occurrence, having affordable, reliable healthcare may just save the African people when they need it most.