Chapitre 5 LE RAPPORT À L’AUTRE DANS DES SERVICES SANITAIRES D’AFRIQUE DE L’OUEST (BAMAKO, DAKAR, NIAMEY)

Abstract

Regularly, in West Africa, epidemiological data emphasise the importance of problems of management of health within a population. These quantitative data are indispensable and allow us to direct our action. They are, however, insufficient for understanding the mechanisms that determine the interaction between carers and patients in healthcare centres.
A broad study lasting over eight months and covering five capital cities in West Africa allowed us to study and analyse closely the dysfunctioning of these services which in many ways are “inhospitable”. It appears as regular logic combining technical aspects and questions of professional ethics. Consequently improving the quality of care consists also in helping to build a “moral will” to care, a code of practice.