According to WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, 672 million Africans, or 48% of the continent’s population, do not have access to the high-quality medical care they require.

Latest News

In a statement to mark World Health Day (WHD) in 2023, Ms. Moeti stated that this is because of weak health systems, which are characterized by insufficient health infrastructure and poorly designed policies to reduce financial barriers to health services.

The WHO official added that one of the contributing factors to the continent’s health crisis is the lack of qualified health workers, as well as poor access to high-quality medications, medical supplies, and cutting-edge technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic, medical crises, and deteriorating climate conditions, according to her, are impeding the continent’s efforts to advance more quickly toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

She expressed appreciation to governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, and communities for their commitment and contribution to achieving the collective effort of health for all.

World Health Day is marked on 7 April annually to draw attention to specific health topics of concern globally.

The theme of the WHD 2023 is “Health for All – Strengthening PHC to Build Resilient Systems,”. The day also coincides with World Health Workers Week which runs from 7 to 11 April with the theme “Investing in the Health Work Force.