Investigating the availability of services for individuals with communication disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that there are at most six Speech-Language Therapists per one million individuals with communication disorders. It is evident that this population is severely limited in appropriate healthcare services. This literature review identifies the underlying factors that contribute to the healthcare shortage for those with communication disorders in order to determine solutions. The most prominent aspects that impede healthcare development in Sub-Saharan Africa for these individuals are the severely limited availability of health workers, inadequacy of training among professionals, and culturally appropriate care. Global responsibility and sustainability within the health workforce is necessary to implement the most advantageous solutions in order to mitigate this issue holistically.