Doctoral thesis highlights the experiences of hospitalized children in Dakar to improve pediatric health services

Akiko Ida's doctoral thesis, defended at Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, reveals that decisions to hospitalize sick children are often shaped by financial and social factors. This ethnographic research, conducted in 2016, underscores the importance of incorporating young patients' voices to improve access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Akiko Ida's research is set against a backdrop of alarming child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on the experiences of hospitalized children in Dakar, this thesis brings to light often overlooked realities, including social interactions and perceptions of illness that shape their care pathways.

The study reveals that parents must juggle limited resources and therapeutic itineraries, sometimes turning to traditional healers as part of the process. This finding highlights the challenges of access to care, particularly for palliative and pain-relief treatments, made worse by poverty.

The findings underscore the need to improve pediatric health services in Africa. Policymakers must engage stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, to develop child-focused health programs, ensuring a collaborative and sustainable approach.

« "Decisions to hospitalize children are often shaped by financial and social factors, which complicates access to necessary care." - Akiko Ida »

« "Integrating the voices of sick children into health policy is essential to improving their quality of life and reducing child mortality in Africa." - the Lektaris team »