WHO’s work in Central African Republic - October 2015
CAR has been experiencing socio-political and military crises for decades, leading to less investment in health system development, including a lack of appropriate health facilities, medical equipment, and qualified health workers (about 250 medical doctors for 4.6 million inhabitants, or five doctors for every 100,000 people). District health systems are not functional in many regions and community participation in health system management is weak.
Highlights
- Central African Republic is facing recurrent crises that have heavily affected the health system and the health of the population, resulting in some of the worst health indicators in the world, especially for child and maternal mortality.
- WHO is filling gaps in critical health services delivery, leading the health sector response due to the Ministry of Health’s limited field capacity.
- A dedicated health cluster coordination team and WHO public health experts are in the capital and in the field to support the humanitarian response and health system restoration.
- WHO is working with the Ministry of Health and health partners to implement a transition plan for early restoration of the health system in order to increase access.
- WHO is appealing for more resources to address the needs of vulnerable people, including funds for field coordination that are required for an effective health response.
