In the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of a robust healthcare system has become more evident, impacting both the well-being of individuals and the economies of nations. The saying “health is wealth” resonates profoundly as countries worldwide grapple with the aftermath of the crisis.
Africa, too, experienced the repercussions of the pandemic, revealing disparities in how different nations managed the situation based on the strength of their healthcare systems. Beyond the pandemic, healthcare challenges persist, varying among African countries based on their individual health systems.
The emergence of healthcare indices has gained prominence as a tool for assessing and improving healthcare systems.
These indices offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare delivery, allowing countries to identify areas for improvement.
Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, influencing overall societal well-being. While some nations have made commendable strides in healthcare delivery, others face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and workforce shortages.
This imbalance in healthcare access contributes to disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations.
Numbeo, in its recent health index, identifies the countries with the highest health index in Africa at the onset of 2024. The Health Care Index assesses the effectiveness of healthcare systems, considering factors such as healthcare professionals, equipment, staff, doctors, and costs. It provides valuable insights into the readiness and resourcing of healthcare in specific regions.
Numbeo collects its data through surveys conducted by website visitors, aligning survey questions with scientific and government surveys to ensure comprehensive and reliable information.
Below are the African countries with the best healthcare systems in 2024:
| Rank | Country | Healthcare index | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | South Africa | 64.0 | 49th |
| 2. | Kenya | 61.1 | 53rd |
| 3. | Tunisia | 57.0 | 71st |
| 4. | Algeria | 54.7 | 78th |
| 5. | Nigeria | 48.7 | 87th |
| 6. | Egypt | 47.5 | 89th |
| 7. | Morocco | 44.7 | 92nd |