AU: Poverty and disease affect development

from The Mail and Guardian

A vicious circle of poverty and disease is placing a huge burden on development in Africa, the African Union commissioner for social affairs said on Friday.

Bience Gawanas was speaking at a meeting of the national health council in Sandton.

"Although there is evidence of the impact of good investments and effective interventions on diseases, the reality remains that Africa faces a huge burden of preventable and treatable health problems."

She said a vicious circle existed in which poverty drove up the burden of diseases while ill-health contributed to poverty.

"Shortfalls in agriculture, low literacy and lack of safe water, adequate sanitation and ongoing conflicts all drive up the disease burden."

Gawanas said the problems faced by Africa led to the development of an African health strategy.

Through this strategy African health ministers will be able to establish research centres in order to improve the health of Africans.

"Some of the major points to be considered by ministers will include the pharmaceutical manufacturing plan for Africa, the state of African traditional medicine and the implementation plan for HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis."

Acting Health Minister Jeff Radebe said it was time for African people to define their disease burden, conduct their own research and implement strategies to eradicate diseases.

Gawanas and Radebe later signed an agreement to ensure cooperation between the AU and South Africa.