Social Determinants of Health in Africa

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines the social determinants of health (SDH) in Africa. It highlights some theoretical perspectives relevant to understanding the SDH, including the production of health and structural and system approaches. The chapter argues that the high prevalence of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases in Africa is a consequence of adverse social forces that predispose people to various diseases. Africans live in challenging social situations and have a comparatively high disease burden. Most are disadvantaged because the resources required for healthcare are insufficient. The high prevalence of poverty on the continent is significantly associated with poor population health caused by impoverished living and working conditions that negatively impact nutritional status, access to clean water, hygiene, healthcare services, and health status. In Africa, unequal healthcare access and outcomes among social groups are common, and vulnerable populations disproportionately bear the brunt of the disease burden.