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Cited by 685Healthcare Systems and ReformsHealthcare Systems and PracticesGlobal Health Workforce Issues

Identifying Key Challenges Facing Healthcare Systems In Africa And Potential Solutions

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Oleribe, Obinna E, Momoh, Jenny, Uzochukwu, Benjamin SC, Mbofana, Francisco, Adebiyi, Akin, Barbera, Thomas, Williams, Roger, Taylor Robinson, Simon D.·2019·International Journal of General Medicine
DOI 10.2147/ijgm.s223882PMC PMC6844097
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare systems in Africa suffer from neglect and underfunding, leading to severe challenges across the six World Health Organization (WHO) pillars of healthcare delivery. We conducted this study to identify the principal challenges in the health sector in Africa and their solutions for evidence-based decisions, policy development and program prioritization. METHODS: The study was conducted as part of a recent African Epidemiological Association Meeting in Maputo, Mozambique with participants drawn from 11 African countries, Cuba, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Participants were divided into 10 groups, consisting of 7 to 10 persons each. Brainstorming approaches were used in a structured, modified nominal group process exercise to identify key challenges and strategies to mitigate healthcare service challenges in Africa. Identified challenges and solutions were prioritised by ranking 1-5, with 1 most important and 5 being least important. RESULTS: The first three challenges identified were inadequate human resources (34.29%), inadequate budgetary allocation to health (30%) and poor leadership and management (8.45%). The leading solutions suggested included training and capacity building for health workers (29.69%), increase budgetary allocation to health (20.31%) and advocacy for political support and commitment (12.31%). CONCLUSION: The underdeveloped healthcare systems in Africa need radical solutions with innovative thought to break the current impasse in service delivery. For example, public-private initiatives should be sought, where multinational companies extracting resources from Africa might be encouraged to plough some of the profits back into healthcare for the communities providing the workforce for their commercial activities. Most problems and their solutions lie within human resources, budget allocation and management. These should be accorded the highest priority for better health outcomes.

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References 31 · Cited by 685

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Authors
Oleribe, O. E., Momoh, J., Uzochukwu, B. S., Mbofana, F., Adebiyi, A., Barbera, T., Williams, R., & Taylor Robinson, S. D.
Affiliations
  • Federal University Lafia (NG)
  • University of Nigeria (NG)
  • University College Hospital, Ibadan (NG)
  • Imperial College London (GB)
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of General Medicine
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2019-11
Volume
Volume 12
Pages
395-403
ISSN
1178-7074 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.2147/ijgm.s223882
PMC
PMC6844097
OpenAlex
W2987127171
Cited by
685
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 119 · 2025: 175 · 2024: 129 · 2023: 121 · 2022: 60 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 28
FWCI
41.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • International Journal of General Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Dove Medical Press (Taylor and Francis Group) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Spiral (Imperial College London) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Wellcome Trust
  • International Seafood Sustainability Foundation
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research
  • Imperial College London
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Finance › Healthcare Systems and Reforms
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Healthcare Systems and Practices
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Emergency Medical Services › Global Health Workforce Issues
Keywords
health system challenges, Africa, health workforce shortage, health budget allocation, health policy, capacity building, public-private partnerships, health care delivery

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