High healthcare costs are driving millions of Africans into poverty every year, a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals. Marking Universal Health Coverage Day, the report sheds light on the urgent need for affordable healthcare across the continent.
Over 150 million Africans were pushed into poverty in 2019 due to out-of-pocket health spending, with 200 million more burdened financially. Startlingly, half of the world’s population impoverished by healthcare costs resides in Africa, the report noted.
“Paying for healthcare out-of-pocket derails lives, forcing people to choose between medicines and basic needs like food and housing,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa. She called for immediate reforms to ensure affordable access to quality healthcare.
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From 2000 to 2019, the number of Africans making catastrophic payments—spending over 10% of household income on healthcare—climbed from 52 million to 95 million annually. Yet, progress has been slow, with poverty from healthcare costs halving globally but reducing only modestly in Africa.
In 2019, out-of-pocket payments accounted for over a quarter of health spending in 31 African countries, exceeding 70% in three nations. With an average annual healthcare expenditure of just $35 per person in Africa, the financial strain on households is stark.
Households headed by older adults or those in rural areas face the brunt of these costs, often foregoing necessary care. Medicines and outpatient services are the leading drivers of financial hardship.
The WHO report also highlights success stories where countries eliminated patient fees, introduced insurance schemes, and boosted government health spending to reduce the burden on citizens.
“The findings should inspire stronger policies to protect vulnerable populations and ensure financial risk protection,” added Dr. Moeti.
WHO’s Regional Office for Africa supports 47 Member States by providing technical assistance to improve health financing and track progress toward universal health coverage.
