PHS129 - Issues And Progress Of Health Systems In The Maghreb Countries

Abstract

To draw up an inventory of health care systems in the North African region (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia), highlighting the opportunities and the challenges of these countries, and to provide an overall view of the progresses made and the shortcomings that persist. A descriptive comparative approach of health care systems in the three countries, based on data from Sherbrooke University (Canada), the World Health Organization and the IPEMEDreport issued in 2012. The number of physicians per 1000 inhabitants: 1.43 in Tunisia, 1.24 and 0.67 in Algeria and Morocco, respectively. Population is aging and life expectancy exceeds 70 years at birth for men and women. Child mortality per 1000 live births is 16 in Tunisia, 30 and 33 in Morocco and Algeria, respectively. Health care yearly expenditure per capita is $ 275 in Tunisia, 245 in Algeria and 195 in Morocco. Public expenditure on health care as % of GDP (estimate) 3.64% in Algeria, 6,3% in Tunisia and 6,2 % in Morocco. Access to health care is a common problem for all three countries, even if in Tunisia, the offer is the most comprehensive. Rate of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants is 2.1 in Tunisia, 1.7 and 1.1 in Algeria and Morocco, respectively. Despite substantial progress, maternal mortality rate remains high in Algeria and Morocco: 120 and 110 per 100 000 births, respectively (60/100 000 in Tunisia). Cardiovascular disorders are the most common cause of death followed by cancers and metabolic diseases. The transition that the North African countries are undergoing is a real challenge for health care authorities. The diseases that prevailed in the 60s and 70s have not completely disappeared, tuberculosis is still endemic and some transmissible diseases may reoccur while some others, such as cancers, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders are dramatically increasing, requiring the implementation of effective health care programs.