The 2023 Legatum Institute report points out countries facing major healthcare struggles.
Many people in these places experience poor health, a low life expectancy, and limited access to basic medical services.
The Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank, measures healthcare globally through its “Health pillar,” which looks at public health, access to care, and health resources.
Here are 12 countries with the worst healthcare conditions worldwide:
1. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic faces major healthcare challenges, including limited access to health services, a shortage of trained medical staff, and underfunded facilities. High rates of disease, malnutrition, and inadequate maternal care have resulted in one of the world’s lowest life expectancies.
2. South Sudan
In South Sudan, years of conflict and instability have left the healthcare system in a dire state, with millions lacking basic medical services. There are very few hospitals and clinics, and shortages of supplies, trained staff, and poor sanitation make controlling preventable diseases difficult.
3. Chad
Chad struggles with extreme healthcare challenges due to limited clean water, poor nutrition, and scarce medical facilities. Healthcare access is minimal, especially in rural areas, and the country faces high child mortality and malnutrition rates.
4. Lesotho
Lesotho suffers from high rates of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It lacks strong healthcare infrastructure and access to quality medical services. With few healthcare professionals and limited services in rural areas, improving health outcomes is a challenge.
5. Somalia
Political instability in Somalia has crippled its healthcare system, making it nearly nonfunctional. Hospitals and clinics face severe shortages of equipment and medication, and few qualified medical professionals are available, especially outside major cities.
6. Sierra Leone
Despite some improvements since the Ebola crisis, Sierra Leone’s healthcare system remains fragile. The country has some of the world’s worst maternal and child health indicators, and years of underfunding and disease outbreaks have weakened its infrastructure.
7. Swaziland (Eswatini)
Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, faces a severe public health crisis due to a high HIV prevalence rate. Its healthcare system is underfunded and lacks resources, making it difficult to treat infectious diseases effectively.
8. Liberia
After years of civil war and an Ebola epidemic, Liberia’s healthcare system is still recovering. Access to quality healthcare is limited, and high rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, and infectious diseases persist.
9. Guinea
Guinea’s healthcare system struggles with limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified professionals. Disease outbreaks, such as Ebola, have further weakened the system, limiting access to essential services.
10. Angola
Despite its oil wealth, Angola has a healthcare system marked by poor infrastructure and a shortage of skilled medical personnel. Malaria, malnutrition, and high maternal mortality rates are common due to inadequate facilities and limited rural access.
11. Nigeria
Nigeria ranks 11th on the list. The country’s healthcare system suffers from low funding and outdated infrastructure. There are not enough qualified health professionals to meet demand. Many skilled workers have left the country for better opportunities abroad, a trend known as “japa.” This brain drain leaves fewer doctors in Nigeria, who now have to attend to more patients than they can manage.
12. Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea’s healthcare facilities and services are often underresourced despite the country’s oil wealth. Limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare in rural areas continues to affect health and life expectancy.
These countries face serious healthcare challenges. They lack enough funding, have limited access to services, poor infrastructure, and not enough medical staff. To improve health outcomes and provide basic care to millions, they will need strong investments and long-term infrastructure improvements.
