Health in the Comoros

Health in the Comoros (pronunciation: /ˈkɒməroʊz/; etymology: derived from the Arabic word "Juzur al Qamar", meaning "Islands of the Moon") refers to the state of health and healthcare systems in the Comoros, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa.

Healthcare System

The healthcare system in the Comoros is primarily public, with the government providing a significant portion of the healthcare services. The Ministry of Health, Solidarity, Social Protection, and Gender Promotion oversees the healthcare system. The country has a network of health centers, dispensaries, and hospitals. However, the healthcare system faces challenges such as inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare professionals, and limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

Health Status

The health status of the population in the Comoros is influenced by various factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and diseases. The country has a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are also prevalent.

Health Indicators

Key health indicators in the Comoros include life expectancy, infant mortality rate, and maternal mortality rate. The life expectancy at birth in the Comoros is approximately 64 years. The infant mortality rate is high, with 56 deaths per 1,000 live births. The maternal mortality rate is also high, with 335 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Health Initiatives

The government of the Comoros, in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has implemented various health initiatives aimed at improving the health status of the population. These initiatives include immunization programs, malaria control programs, and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.