Decision making in Central Africa-The public health system in light of the changing economy

Abstract

This paper aims to characterize the considerations of decision makers in Central African states regarding investment in the health sector. The findings rely on data collected in the research, "intercultural economic diplomacy and cross-cultural encounters in Central Africa after the discovery of natural resources-the case of Equatorial Guinea, " which is still in process. The health system in Central Africa is very complex and challenging, and there are extensive activities of international factors. In recent decades many Central African states have undergone significant economic changes as a result of the discovery of natural resources or other economic developments, but despite the awareness of decision-makers to health issues, the average investment as a percentage of GDP is one of the world's lowest. The findings demonstrate that although health system is among the first to benefit from the fruits of an economic change, local decision makers seems to invest in impressive medical institutions, sometimes at the expense of increasing public investment in health per se. The paper argues that if decision-makers cease to view the investment in the public health system as an opportunity for political and image gains, they will probably neglect their tendency to establish impressive medical institutions or to implement projects that are well publicized but will invest in state budgets devoted to health.