How Africa
A healthy nation is a wealthy nation, so goes a saying. Countries that prioritise their healthcare systems are believed to enjoy economic prosperity.
The world today celebrated Universal Health Coverage day under the theme Unite For Universal Health Coverage: Now Is The Time For Collective Action. we have collated, in no particular order, a list of five African countries that have managed to ensure that citizens get affordable and effective quality health. These countries are making strides in achieving UHC.
Rwanda
Like a phoenix emerging from the red-hot ashes is Rwanda coming from the disastrous yet distressing Genocide. Rwanda is a country with the most sought-after healthcare system in Africa. The country’s budget ensures that the health sector gets over 20 percent of funding juxtaposed to the Abuja declaration of 15 percent. The health delivery system is used as a best-case scenario by many experts. It is also famed for its success in implementing the community health insurance program which has improved access to quality health for citizens.
South Africa
Given the country’s economic prosperity which has been enjoyed from time immemorial, the government in South Africa ensures its citizens get top-notch healthcare. Better yet, its one of the countries with booming medical tourism.
Tanzania
President Magufuli has been at the forefront, making the headlines prioritizing the improvement of public health institutions. The country also has the envied National Medical Aid Scheme which is key in reaching universal health coverage.
Kenya
Kenya is one of the countries showing interest in improving its healthcare. A committee has been working since June to develop a proposal for minimum healthcare package that would be made available to people under universal health coverage (UHC). This is an identification of services that would be provided throughout the country to ensure a minimum health status. It is hoped that there will be sufficient funds in Kenya because there is a political will to provide UHC. The deadline for UHC in Kenya is 2022.
Zambia
The country has been making strides in ensuring that they beef up their workforce. It is doing well in making sure that it opens post for medical practitioners so that the country can have more special cases treated. As specialty professions increase, so will its improved access to medical care among Zambians.
