Conclusions and key considerations

The health statistics for the African Region in 2021 show a varied profile, with countries at different stages of achievement of the target indicators. In general, progress has been observed in almost all areas. The health emergencies that the Region has faced recently, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown us that although the Region was not prepared for this particular disease, the response was appropriate and the pandemic was contained with the fewest possible deaths. However, the statistics also revealed a disruption in the continuity of health services delivery, leading to a degradation of some indicators and slowing down progress towards achieving UHC and SDGs. The improvement of health information systems has had an impact on the monitoring of health indicators, although some key data are still not available. In the same line of good practice and effective action, health promotion programs using all types of media and community mobilization have improved population health indicators, as well as morbidity and mortality control. All of these aspects must now be integrated into structured, operational, and reliable monitoring and response systems.

“The improvement of health information systems has had an impact on the monitoring of health indicators, although some key data are still not available. In the same line of good practice and effective action, health promotion programs using all types of media and community mobilization have improved population health indicators, as well as morbidity and mortality control.”

Despite many advances in terms of life expectancy and improved access to health care in the African Region, many challenges remain. Universal health coverage is one of these objectives that must be prioritized and to which financial, infrastructural and human resources must be allocated. Areas such as NCDs, health system (including service delivery, HIS, financing, human workforce and infrastructures) need to be strengthened. This also includes well-being, as well as maternal and child health.

Countries of the Region should prioritize the revision of health policies and/or strategies with targeted interventions to achieve the 2030 goals, including strengthening intersectoral collaboration (One Health), as well as advocacy and partnership focused on country priorities. Abuja 2001’s target must also be considered as high priority in governments’ agenda with more endogenous resources for health, and resilience of the health system should be made effective at all level of the health system pyramid.