SOME STATISTICS
Although the healthcare system is Rwanda is the best in Africa, some citizens still find medical care difficult to access. This is even worse for East Africa.
East Africa faces several pressing challenges that require attention and action. Here are some key problems along with relevant statistics:
Poverty: East Africa has a high poverty rate, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. The Extreme poverty rate increased to 35% in 2021.
Food Insecurity: Food security remains a significant concern in the region. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that in 2020, approximately 75 million people in East Africa faced severe food insecurity.
Health Issues: East Africa grapples with various health challenges, including high rates of infectious diseases. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, East Africa accounted for the majority of malaria cases globally, with over 80% of malaria-related deaths occurring in the region.
Limited Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation facilities remains inadequate in many parts of East Africa. UNICEF estimates that in 2021, around 40 million people in the region lacked access to safe water sources.
Education Disparities: There are disparities in access to quality education, particularly for vulnerable populations. UNESCO data shows that in 2020, the out-of-school rate for primary education in East Africa was approximately 18%.