{"id":95444,"date":"2026-06-18T07:30:04","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T07:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doctorswithafrica.org\/?p=95444"},"modified":"2026-06-18T08:46:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T08:46:43","slug":"faith-based-health-systems-building-trust-and-expanding-access-to-care-in-sub-saharan-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doctorswithafrica.org\/it\/faith-based-health-systems-building-trust-and-expanding-access-to-care-in-sub-saharan-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Faith-Based Health Systems: Building Trust and Expanding Access to Care in Sub-Saharan Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

In many countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, faith-based health facilities<\/strong> provide a significant share of essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Despite their vital contribution, these institutions often remain underrecognized<\/strong> and insufficiently integrated <\/strong>into formal health systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These issues were at the center of Faith-Based Health Systems: Building Trust in Sub-Saharan Africa<\/strong><\/em>, a webinar hosted by the Georgetown-Lancet Commission on Faith, Trust, and Health<\/a>.<\/strong> Bringing together experts from academia, healthcare, faith communities, and international organizations, the event explored the role of faith-based health systems through both Christian and Islamic perspectives, while highlighting frontline experiences from across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We contributed to the discussion by sharing insights and expertise <\/strong>gained through our long-standing commitment to supporting faith-based organizations (FBOs) across the region. Dr. Emanuela Parotto, Clinical Consultant at CUAMM<\/strong>, presented key results, findings, and lessons learned from this work. Other distinguished speakers included Ibrahim Bola Gobir, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University; Nkatha Njeru, CEO of ACHAP; Nate Smith, Executive Pastor at Trinity Anglican Church; and Derek Yach, Global Noncommunicable Disease Advisor at CMMB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The strong interest generated by the webinar was reflected in a record level of engagement, making it the most attended session of the series to date. The event attracted 146 unique viewers from 26 countries, spanning four continents<\/strong>. Participants joined from countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Denmark, Zambia, and Brazil, underscoring the global resonance of the topics discussed and the growing interest in faith-based approaches to health systems strengthening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion underscored the critical role that Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) play in healthcare delivery across Sub-Saharan Africa, while drawing attention to a persistent gap<\/strong>: national health frameworks often fail to fully leverage the reach, trust, and expertise of these institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CUAMM’s Commitment to Strengthening Faith-Based Healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing the strategic importance of FBOs, CUAMM launched a major initiative in 2019<\/strong> to support faith-based organizations delivering healthcare services across Africa. The webinar provided an opportunity to showcase the results of this ongoing commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Emanuela Parotto<\/strong> presented findings from extensive field assessments conducted between November 2021 and February 2024. The study evaluated 63 health facilities belonging to 48 faith-based organizations across 11 countries: Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Togo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies\u2014including Health Facility Assessment Questionnaires (HFAQ) and Disaster Preparedness Assessment Questionnaires (DPAQ)\u2014the research provided a comprehensive overview of the strengths, challenges, and potential of faith-based healthcare providers in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Cornerstone of Healthcare Delivery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Evidence presented during the webinar showed that faith-based providers deliver between 30% and 70% of healthcare services <\/strong>in many Sub-Saharan African countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For decades, these organizations have played a central role in national health systems, often maintaining a continuous presence in communities where public services are limited or absent. Their commitment to serving vulnerable populations, combined with deep local roots, has enabled them to become highly trusted actors within the communities they serve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This trust is one of their greatest assets. Built through long-standing relationships, shared values, and moral leadership, it encourages positive health-seeking behaviors, improves adherence to treatment, and supports sustained utilization of healthcare services. As highlighted during the webinar, growing evidence shows that trust is not merely a social asset but a critical determinant of health system performance and legitimacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Pillars of Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CUAMM’s initiative is built around three complementary pillars designed to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of faith-based healthcare providers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n