Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: The Atlas 2022 of African Health Statistics is a comprehensive tool that gives an overview of the
health ecosystem in the African region. As such, it tracks progress towards globally agreed objectives, such as
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assesses the capacity of African countries to achieve them, and helps
policymakers identify gaps and areas requiring substantial reinforcement.
METHODS: We analyzed health-related SDGs’ key indicators in the Atlas 2022 of African Health Statistics. This
platform is a nexus for consistent and comparable data sources across countries. A review of studies addressing
the evolution of health-related SDG indicators in Africa was also considered for discussion and recommendations.
RESULTS: Hunger and different forms of malnutrition remain prevalent in the Region. Maternal and neonatal
mortality is still high compared to other regions, with increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases and
poor mechanisms to address mental health issues. Many inequalities are noted in violence against women, access
to health services, or access to water and basic sanitation, which is exacerbated in rural areas. Regarding
achieving the SDGs, the trend of most indicators shows they will be challenging to perform at the Regional level.
However, a few countries are on track to achieve some goals. These results clearly show that countries have
different experiences and, therefore, different progress in achieving sustainable development goals. The delays
experienced by many countries in terms of development in other sectors, such as climate and the environment,
poverty reduction and economic growth, equity and justice, etc., will make it even more difficult to achieve the
health-related SDGs. Achieving these goals should, therefore, be seen as a transdisciplinary and inclusive process.
CONCLUSION: Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic that has recently challenged health systems worldwide, the African
Region is also dealing with several threats, jeopardizing its progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030. Given
the Region’s particular context, a readjustment of the regional targets and/or deadlines would be advisable to
ensure they are achievable.
