Top 10 African countries with the fewest doctors per 10,000 population

Healthcare is a cornerstone of societal well-being, ensuring that individuals not only survive but thrive. However, across Africa, the ability to deliver quality healthcare is hampered by a glaring shortage of doctors.

This shortage reflects deeper systemic issues that plague the continent’s health systems, posing significant challenges to the well-being of millions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises a minimum doctor-to-population ratio of 1:1,000. In comparison, developed nations far exceed this benchmark. Germany and Italy lead with an impressive 42–45 doctors per 10,000 people, while the U.S., UK, and France have around 31–32 doctors per 10,000. Japan and Canada, though lower, still maintain 25–26 doctors per 10,000 residents, significantly above the global standard.

Yet, in many African nations, achieving this standard is still a far-off dream. According to 2022 estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), eight African countries have fewer than 1 doctor per 10,000 people, a stark contrast to the global averages seen in more developed regions.

This severe shortage results in overburdened healthcare workers and delayed or inadequate medical care. In regions where preventable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are still prevalent, this shortage becomes a life-or-death matter. Women in rural areas often face high maternal mortality rates due to limited access to prenatal and postnatal care. Similarly, patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension may go undiagnosed for years due to a lack of specialists.

Africa’s doctor shortage boils down to several challenges. Many countries don’t have enough medical schools, and the ones they do have are often underfunded and outdated. To make it worse, a lot of the doctors trained here leave for better pay and working conditions abroad, creating a brain drain.

Public healthcare systems are struggling too, with underfunded hospitals and demotivated staff. Coupled with rapid population growth, the gap between the number of doctors and the people who need care continues to widen.