Update on the Quality of Health Services in Togo

The quality of health services is one of the fundamental aspects of health requirements for both personnel and beneficiaries (Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Access to Care, 2019). However, access to quality healthcare remains limited for many populations, and facilities for specific treatments are largely insufficient (Ministry of Health and Social Protection, 2018).

As part of its efforts to improve health governance, the Togolese government has delegated the management of public hospitals to a private organization. Since 2019, the installation and operation of mobile clinics have provided medical services to over 275,000 Togolese living in medically underserved areas, thus facilitating their access to essential healthcare (United Nations Development Programme, 2022; Togo Breaking News, 2022).

Maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health is a priority for the Togolese government, ranking first in the objectives of the National Health Policy and its strategic implementation plans (Ministry of Health and Social Protection, 2017). Despite efforts to reduce maternal, infant, and neonatal mortality, these rates remain high: 401 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, 27 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, 49 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, and 89 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births (Togolese Republic, 2015).

Data from the Afrobarometer survey in Togo reveal concerning citizen perceptions regarding access to and the quality of health services. Eight out of ten Togolese report that a family member lacked medicines or medical care at least once – and often frequently – over the past 12 months. Half of the Togolese who used public medical services in the past year state that it was easy to get the necessary attention, and the majority say they were treated courteously by medical staff. However, many had to pay bribes to receive care. Additionally, most complain about long waiting times, poor infrastructure conditions, medicine shortages, and the absence of doctors or other healthcare personnel.

The majority of respondents express dissatisfaction with their government’s performance in improving basic health services. These data highlight the persistent challenges in Togo’s health sector and underscore the need for increased efforts to meet the population's healthcare needs.

For more details, read the full article : AD825-Les-Togolais-reclament-plus-en-matiere-de-service-de-sante-de-base_Afrobarometer_23july24.pdf