Access to medical care in Africa has posed a major limitation in its development from preventable diseases to child mortality and pregnancy complications, and epidemics. While there are many factors contributing to this problem, a severe lack of resources devoted to medical care and doctor shortages are some of the clearest reasons for this crisis.
However, today valiant efforts are being made to expand access to medical care for Africans. There are also many organizations that are actively supporting researchers and medical experts to help pursue and fund their research while others provide a support system for families of people with health challenges. Some of these organizations are;
The Chalker Foundation for Africa
The Chalker Foundation for Africa was established in response to the need to improve healthcare in Africa. Its mission is to achieve positive and sustainable health outcomes for all people in Sub-Saharan Africa by working in partnership with organizations that invest in the training of health workers and developing local knowledge and skills in the community.
The West African Health Foundation (WAHF)
The West African Health Foundation (WAHF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization formed by a group of physicians on a mission to address the poor health and nutritional status of the people, particularly children and women, of the West African sub-region. WAHF aims to promote health through Wellness Education and Disease Prevention. This will be done through unrestricted, comprehensive medical and public health outreach interventions and educational programs.
Global Alliance for Africa
Global Alliance for Africa partners with local African NGOs, religious institutions, and community-based organizations to design and implement innovative economic strengthening programs to enable communities and households to provide sustainable care and support for orphans and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. Grants can range from $50.00 – to $5,000.00. Small businesses are also supported such as hair salons, butchery stores, restaurants, agricultural cooperatives, pig-rearing cooperatives, etc. The goal of providing small entrepreneurs with funding and training is to increase income and, in turn, provide shelter, food, education, access to health care, psycho-social support, and legal services.
African Medical and Research Foundation(AMREF)
The African Medical and Research Foundation is an African-based nonprofit organization that is committed to increasing sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, health services delivery, and investments in health. Pioneering experience in community-based health care – emphasizing community ownership of projects and programs to encourage sustainability, AMREF has a 500 strong and 97% African multidisciplinary workforce, including social scientists and health professionals who closely work with key development actors, academic institutions, and the private sector including Ministries of Health and Education in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda to create lasting health changes in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, health services delivery and investments in health.
World Hope International
World Hope International organization is attempting to expand medical care in Africa alongside numerous other projects. With only 22 physicians per million people available in Sierra Leone, groups like World Hope International are trying to provide necessary care for those in desperate need. For instance, this group has provided physiotherapy and support services to more than 800 children living with disabilities. World Hope International has also been partially responsible for helping contain Ebola in Sierra Leone. To help combat malnutrition, the organization worked with more than 2,000 community groups, teaching them proper feeding practices for infants and young children. Groups like World Hope International are offering amazing services responsible for serious improvements in impoverished people’s lives.