Health Systems as a Neglected Developmental Pillar: The Case of Ebola in West Africa

This paper mainly highlights how health is compromised in Africa. It seeks to question and analyse the predicaments faced by a number of African countries, particularly the western region as a result of the crisis caused by the Ebola epidemic. It points to the importance of understanding the systemic and political impediments that have resulted in African health care becoming a marginalized developmental pillar. However, we do not provide any clear-cut recommendations for resolving the problem, as most solutions presented thus far for Africa’s renewal and development have been shelved by the majority of Africa’s leaders – such as the above mentioned Ouagadougou Declaration. Rather, it is envisaged that this paper might spark debates and proposed models for people-oriented, responsive health systems supported from within developmental, political will and integration policy context.