Catalysing access to healthcare in sub-saharan africa

The disease burden

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cancer are the leading causes of death globally. In 2016, they accounted for 71% of the global deaths, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for nearly half of those deaths, and cancer accounting for 20% of the remainder. In low- and middle- income economies, NCDs accounted for 3 out of every 4 deaths and should the trend continue, NCDs are projected to result in economic losses valued at US$ 7 trillion, over the coming 15 years. The cancer burden in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) has been persistent over time. The common late diagnosis and hence treatment has resulted in a death occurrence rate of 7.3% which surpasses the cancer incidence rate of 5.8%. Due to limited financial protection, cancer treatment has often led individuals and households into catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment since a significant proportion (approximately 37%) of total health expenditure (THE) in the region is financed through out-of-pocket (OOP) payments made at the time of seeking healthcare.