WHO Report: 150 Million Africans Driven into Poverty by Healthcare Costs

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals that over 150 million people in Africa are being pushed into poverty due to high medical expenses, Xinhua reported. The report, titled “Towards Universal Health Coverage in the WHO Africa Region: Tracking Financial Protection,” was released on Universal Health Coverage Day.

According to the WHO, out-of-pocket payments are financially burdening more than 200 million individuals across the continent. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa, stated that these healthcare costs are worsening financial hardship and health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Many are forced to cut back on essential needs like food and housing.

The report indicates that between 2000 and 2019, the number of people spending over 10% of their household budget on healthcare rose from 52 million to 95 million. It emphasizes the need for robust policies, such as abolishing patient fees and expanding health insurance, to alleviate the financial strain on African citizens.