While Africa faces the most severe health crisis in the world, it can still fight the challenges with adequate international support, as per WHO (World Health Organization) report on around 740 million people who live in UN's (United Nation) African region.
Out of 20 nations in the world with highest maternal mortality rates, 19 belong to Africa. Around 910 African mothers die in 100,000 childbirths, rising from 870 deaths in 1990.
The report stated that maternal, child & newborn health was a 'silent epidemic' in Africa & millions of newborns, children & mothers die due to curable & preventable diseases.
While Africa holds 11% of world's population, 60% of people are infected with HIV, report said. It found that over 90% of 300-500 million malaria cases in the world are from Africa.
A big majority of African population is yet to take advantage of advancements in public health & medical research. The end result is vast burden of diseases & deaths, which is destroying African societies.
The challenges faced by governments & their affiliates are an effective management of healthcare provisions & ensuring proper utilization of funds to provide material benefits to African people.
"Inadequate funding in the region has made govt. owned hospitals undersupplied, overcrowded & operated by poorly paid doctors that give their best in profitable private clinics. Moreover, corruption is also eating up the economy as majority of funding being provided for the needy is going into wrong hands", said an analyst at RNCOS.
Among the positives, the report highlighted an improved availability in anti-retroviral drugs that are used for HIV/Aids treatment. People receiving the anti-retroviral treatment grew eight times between 2003 & 2005 & now the number stands at over 800,000.
While polio & leprosy have cases come down to negligible rates, the report has acknowledged rise in 'lifestyle' medical cases like heart disease & stroke.
African nations won't develop economically & socially with material improvements in public health, the report said. The healthcare interventions (treatment, diagnostic & prevention) are known in this continent. The challenge for governments lies in delivering these to people who require them.
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