Health disparities and inequalities: A huge burden to Africa

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Venuste Ishimwe is currently a 1st-year medical student at University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Rwanda. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Health disparities refer to variations in health outcomes among different population groups. On the other hand, health inequalities refer to the systematic and unfair differences in health experience or outcomes between different socioeconomic groups within or between societies or countries. Health disparities specifically arise from potentially avoidable and unfair health differences that disproportionately affect socially disadvantaged groups. 

In fact, health disparities and inequalities are both often the result of systemic factors, such as unequal access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and environmental conditions, which lead to adverse health outcomes in these populations. Health disparities and inequalities are critical global public health issues, particularly in low and middle-income countries specifically in Africa. They noticeably affect underprivileged groups as a result of structural obstacles, including poverty, poor infrastructure, and restricted education opportunities [1,2].  

Huge number of maternal and child deaths

The health disparities and inequalities pose significant and detrimental effects on maternal and child health by levitating the mortality. About 287 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. Almost 95% of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middle-income countries in 2020, and most could have been prevented. Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for around 70% of maternal deaths (202 000). 

The high number of maternal deaths in some areas of the world especially in Africa reflects inequalities in access to quality health services and highlights the gap between rich and poor. Humanitarian, conflict, and post-conflict settings hinder progress in reducing the burden of maternal mortality. Therefore, access for everyone woman to high quality care in pregnancy, during and after childbirth can significantly help to address and reduce maternal mortality.

Increased burden and incidence of infectious diseases

Infectious diseases pose a significant health burden with substantial health inequalities and disparities globally. Despite the success of vaccination programs for polio and some childhood diseases, low and lower-middle-income countries in Africa face a greater burden of disease, particularly in acute lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, bacterial infections, HIV/AIDS, and maternal conditions and tuberculosis are causing high mortality rates in Africa [2,6].  This is primarily due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services to all. 

Advancing health equity and equality, and addressing any potential health disparities in Africa is not merely a moral imperative but also an essential pathway to building a sustainable and equitable continental healthcare system. In pursuit of this imperative, we must dismantle the barriers within health institutions that have hindered Africa’s progress [2]. Additionally, we have to know that everyone has the right to health so governments and policy makers should always place communities at the forefront in the planning and delivery of health services for everyone.

References

1. Oke, G.I. and Sibomana, O., 2025. Understanding Health Inequality, Disparity and Inequity in Africa: A Rapid Review of Concepts, Root Causes, and Strategic Solutions. Public Health Challenges, 4(1), p.e70040
2. Rispel LC, de Sousa CA, Molomo BG. Can social inclusion policies reduce health inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa?–A rapid policy appraisal. J Health Popul Nutr. 2009 Aug;27(4):492-504. doi: 10.3329/jhpn.v27i4.3392. PMID: 19761083; PMCID: PMC2928096.
3. WHO: Maternal mortality, 26 April 2024 available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
4. Boutayeb A. The Impact of Infectious Diseases on the Development of Africa. Handbook of Disease Burdens and Quality of Life Measures. 2010:1171–88. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-78665-0_66. PMCID: PMC7120372.
5. Health policy watch news: Africa’s Complicated Path to Global Health Equity, 31 Oct 2023 available at: https://healthpolicy-watch.news/africas-complicated-path-to-global-health-equity/
6. Ould-Boudia, Ahmed and Adusei-Mensah, Frank and Olaleye, Sunday Adewale and Balogun, Oluwafemi Samson, Health Disparities Across Continents: A Comparative Analysis of African and European Countries. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4958773 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4958773
7. WHO-Liberia: Ensuring health equity narrowing barrier gaps accessing health care. Available at 

About the author

Venuste Ishimwe is currently a 1st-year medical student at University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Rwanda and a member of MEDSAR-Rwanda. He is a dedicated research enthusiast focusing on applied impactful researches that contribute to the health improvement in the community. He advocates and strives to establish health equity, particularly, in the most vulnerable populations. He strongly believes that through research findings implementation the community shall have better living standards, health and prosperous lives.