Written By Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED
Health Levels in Arab Countries in 2024: Challenges and Achievements
In 2024, healthcare levels across Arab countries vary significantly, reflecting the economic, political, and social disparities among these nations. Despite notable progress in some countries, many still face significant challenges in the health sector, particularly those affected by wars, conflicts, or economic crises.
Healthcare Achievements
In several Arab countries, the healthcare sector has seen remarkable development in recent years, especially in oil-rich nations such as the Gulf States (Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait). These countries have heavily invested in healthcare infrastructure, developing hospitals, and employing modern technology to deliver medical care. They possess strong healthcare systems that provide free or subsidized services to citizens, with a focus on prevention programs and public health improvements.
The Gulf States, for example, have achieved high vaccination rates against infectious diseases and have managed to control the spread of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension through awareness campaigns and community health programs. These countries have also seen an increase in the number of trained doctors and nurses and the expansion of advanced medical technologies such as robotic surgery and precision medicine.
Health Challenges
In contrast, many other Arab countries continue to experience ongoing health crises due to political instability and armed conflicts, as is the case in Syria, Yemen, and Libya. These conflicts have destroyed healthcare infrastructure, led to severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies, and subjected healthcare facilities to attacks. In these countries, the population suffers from the spread of infectious diseases, a lack of vaccines, and high rates of malnutrition, especially among children.
For example, in Yemen, the cholera epidemic remains a significant threat due to contaminated water and a lack of healthcare services. Syria also faces a shortage of medical personnel and well-equipped hospitals, making it challenging to provide healthcare in conflict-affected areas.
Chronic Diseases and Their Prevalence
Most Arab countries are experiencing a rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, driven by changing lifestyles, a heavy reliance on fast food, and low physical activity. These chronic diseases have become a major burden on healthcare systems in Arab countries, requiring vast resources for care and treatment.
In Egypt, for example, diabetes and obesity are major public health issues, with unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets contributing to the growing prevalence of these conditions. Similarly, in Jordan and Lebanon, chronic diseases are among the biggest health challenges that require effective responses from the healthcare sector.
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Despite efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage, there remains a significant disparity between countries in this regard. In countries like Tunisia and Morocco, governments are working to improve the quality of healthcare and make it accessible to all citizens. Programs have been launched to expand healthcare coverage and health insurance, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
However, in Iraq and Lebanon, economic and political challenges affect the sustainable provision of healthcare services, leading to shortages of essential medicines and treatments and rising treatment costs.
Mental Health
With increasing awareness of the importance of mental health in the region, some Arab countries have begun developing specialized programs to support mental health and provide psychiatric care services. However, this area still faces challenges, such as a shortage of specialized doctors, weak infrastructure for mental health services, and the social stigma associated with mental health issues in many Arab communities.
Conclusion
In 2024, healthcare levels in Arab countries vary significantly based on each country’s political, economic, and social conditions. While there has been significant progress in some nations, major health challenges remain in many others, particularly those affected by conflicts or economic crises. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, and civil society to improve the quality of healthcare and ensure access for all citizens.
Written By Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED – 15.09.2024