The global increase in caesarean section (CS) rates has become a critical public health focal point. While the World Health Organization recommends an optimal population-level CS rate of 10% to 15%, Africa presents a uniquely complex landscape characterized by a stark dual reality: persistent underuse in rural and resource-limited public settings alongside alarming overuse in private healthcare sectors and urban centers. This paper examines the epidemiological trends, key drivers—including changing maternal characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and provider incentives—and the public health consequences of rising CS rates across the continent. Furthermore, it outlines strategic policy and clinical interventions, such as strengthening clinical audits and optimizing midwifery-led care, to bridge equity gaps and promote evidence-based obstetric practices.
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- Dr., MD, Medical Specialist Paul Shimba Alphonce (Author), 2026, The Rise of Caesarean Sections in Africa. Trends, Challenges, and Public Health Implications, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1744672
