Long-Term Care for Aging Populations in Africa: Current Landscape, Key Challenges, and Policy Considerations

Abstract

Compared to other regions, Africa’s population is considerably younger. Within Africa, the number of older people is projected to increase at a similarly rapid pace across all subregions from 2022 to 2050. The frailty of this population and rates of disability are expected to rise due to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes, and cancers. The steady increase of older populations, coupled with the rising burden of NCDs across Africa necessitates health care system strengthening and the development of organized long-term care (LTC) services across countries in the region. This case study provides a high-level overview of the current LTC landscape across African countries, and is informed by the review and analysis of the information available and the research literature on aging and LTC issues in Africa. It is important to note that information and research is limited. The case study also provides a description of regional and national policies and legal frameworks on aging and LTC for older people in Africa. In conclusion, key challenges in LTC provision are highlighted and policy implications and considerations for the future are discussed. The case study focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, which currently is home to 51 of all 58 African countries as well as more than 80 percent of the total population and 70 percent of the older population aged 60 and over (United Nations 2022a).