HEALTH

Currently, Africa is home to 1.256 billion people, and the population is expected to double by 2050. It is estimated that the child population will reach 750 million by 2030, requiring an additional 10 million professionals in education and health to support the demographic transition, according to UNICEF. Despite the fact that 24% of the world’s diseases occur on the continent, investment in health in Africa represents only 1% of global spending.

Sustainable Development Goal number three focuses on health and well-being, addressing diseases such as HIV and malaria and promoting maternal and child health. Life expectancy in Africa has increased from 50.9 to 53.8 years, but it remains below the global average of 71.5 years. In 2017, 92% of malaria cases and 72% of HIV cases were reported in Africa, primarily affecting women.

Access to health services is alarmingly limited, with an average of only 2 doctors and 15.5 hospital beds per 10,000 people. Moreover, many individuals turn to biomedicine and traditional practices due to a lack of information and funding.

Maternal and child health is critical, with 550 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, accounting for 66% of global maternal deaths. Obstetric fistula, affecting between 2 and 3 million women, often occurs during the first delivery of adolescents and can be caused by sexual violence. Each year, between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases are reported. Additionally, female genital mutilation puts 3 million girls at risk each year.

Women for Africa Foundation focuses on strengthening African health systems by training local professionals, raising awareness about diseases like obstetric fistula, and empowering affected women. Through its programs, many women have received surgical and primary care.

Projects