Africa’s Healthcare Sector Under Scrutiny After Raila Odinga’s Treatment Abroad
The death of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in an Indian hospital has reignited debate over Africa’s healthcare sector and the continued lack of medical facilities across the continent. Odinga, a lifelong champion of democracy and social justice, passed away on October 15 in Kochi, India — a fate shared by many African leaders who seek medical treatment abroad rather than in their home countries.
Political Elites and the Habit of Medical Tourism
Odinga’s case mirrors a troubling pattern. Leaders from Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe to Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari and Zambia’s Edgar Lungu have repeatedly traveled overseas for healthcare — often while their own citizens suffer from failing hospitals and underpaid doctors. Mugabe, for instance, ran Zimbabwe’s health system into the ground while seeking treatment in Singapore, where he ultimately died in 2019.
This culture of medical tourism exposes how African elites have long neglected domestic health systems. Experts say as long as politicians have access to foreign care, they have little incentive to improve local hospitals. Many argue they should be legally barred from seeking overseas medical treatment.
A System Starved of Investment
The lack of medical facilities and personnel is worsening. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends nations spend at least 11% of GDP on healthcare, yet African countries average just 5%. Despite pledges under the 2001 Abuja Declaration to allocate 15% of national budgets to health, progress has been minimal.
Nigeria alone loses more than $2 billion annually to medical tourism, much of it to India. Meanwhile, the country faces one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates — over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. More than 13,000 Nigerian healthcare professionals migrated to the UK between 2021 and 2022, draining local systems further.
The Broader Impact on Africa’s Healthcare Sector
Even in countries with advanced private systems, like South Africa, political figures prefer treatment abroad. Former President Jacob Zuma reportedly traveled to Russia for medical reasons, despite South Africa’s strong domestic facilities. The health minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, recently questioned how the world could take African leaders seriously if they don’t trust their own hospitals.
The shortage of healthcare professionals across Africa is projected to hit 6.1 million by 2030, further crippling local systems. The dependence on foreign treatment undermines confidence in public institutions and diverts critical funds that could strengthen local care.
Honoring Odinga Through Reform
Following Raila Odinga’s treatment and death, Kenyan President William Ruto declared a state funeral and seven days of mourning. However, critics argue the most fitting tribute would be to rebuild the health systems Odinga fought for during his political career. Investing in healthcare, not ceremonies, would truly honor his legacy and help end Africa’s dependence on foreign hospitals.
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This story was first reported by Bloomberg. Read the full article here.
