Combating medical deserts and improving access to care
Since it was founded, Santé Sud has been working to bring medical care to rural areas in countries with limited resources, where health professionals are unevenly distributed.
Forty years on, equity in access to healthcare remains a crucial global issue, as highlighted by France’s Global Health Strategy 2023-2027.
Due in part to the lack of attractiveness of these regions for doctors, basic care is often provided by non-medical staff and traditional medicine remains widespread. Yet many young doctors, trained in increasing numbers since the 1970s, are unable to find employment in the public sector in their own countries.
In countries with limited resources, healthcare infrastructures and professionals are mainly concentrated in urban areas, while 60-70% of the population lives in rural areas.
Santé Sud’s innovative approach
In response to these challenges, Santé Sud and its partner associations have implemented an innovative approach by installing community general practitioners (CGPs) and midwives in rural areas.
These professionals provide basic care, take preventive action, raise awareness and refer patients to the appropriate facilities, thereby playing a crucial role in rural communities. They work in alliance with communities and in partnership with other players in the healthcare system.
Achievements and expansion
Santé Sud’s first project in Mali in 1989 led to the installation of several dozen rural doctors, supported by the local authorities. These initiatives were subsequently extended to Madagascar, Benin and Guinea.
A WHO evaluation carried out in Madagascar in 2008 confirmed the relevance and effectiveness of this system, as well as the satisfaction of doctors and patients.
Today, more than 30 midwives are or will be supported by Santé Sud in Madagascar to improve sexual and reproductive health care in very geographically isolated areas in two regions of the country. This support follows the same model as for the MGC and also enables initiatives to be developed around nutrition and 1000 days within and with communities.
With 500 doctors in place, this activity has improved access to healthcare for around
access to healthcare for around 5 million people.
Nos programmes liés à cette thématique
Urgences
PluriElles
Bien naître (phase 2)
Towards institutional recognition
Santé Sud’s commitment over four decades demonstrates that innovative, pragmatic and targeted solutions can overcome the challenges of access to healthcare in rural areas, particularly when they are developed with and for communities.