The Mortality of Serving African Presidents: A Lesson for the Health Profession and the Lay Public

Although Africa has the worst mortality data in the world; the picture painted by the high mortality rate of serving Africa leaders in the last five years suggests reasons and causes far beyond poor socio-economic conditions. This study examined the causes and age at death of serving African leaders; in the last five years; and draws out the lessons; for the health profession and the general public.Material and methods: An internet search of creditable websites was carried out to determine the number; causes and age at deaths of the leaders; within the study period of 2008 to 2012. The life expectancy rates of the bereaved countries were also considered.Results: A total of 13 presidential mortalities took place in the world during the study period; with 10 (76.92) involving serving African leaders. The leaders died at an average age of 66.9 +/- 7.22 years; an average of 12.1 years above the life expectancy rate of their respective countries; but less than the world average of 68 years. Most (80.00) of the leaders died from non-communicable diseases; 3 died from cardiovascular diseases; 3 died from cancer; while two were known diabetics. The remaining two leaders were killed in a violent change of government.Conclusion: The African leaders died mainly from non-communicable diseases; at an age that is below the world average. Public enlightenment campaigns and greater emphasis on patient-centered chronic care of non-communicable diseases are hereby recommended

The Ouagadougou Declaration on Primary Health Care and Health Systems in Africa: Achieving better Health for Africa in the New Millennium

The Ouagadougou Declaration on Primary Health Care and Health Systems in Africa focuses on nine major priority areas: 1) leadership and governance for health; 2) health services delivery; 3) human resources for health; 4) health financing; 5) health information systems; 6) health technologies; 7) community ownership and participation; 8) partnerships for health development; and 9) research for health. This paper describes a framework constructed for implementing the necessary activities in each of these priority areas; and proposes recommendations for consideration by Member States in the development of their own country frameworks. The frameworkfor implementing activities related to health information and research for health which have been taken into account in the Algiers Framework are discussed separately elsewhere in this issue

Avian and human influenza pandemic; how prepared is the developing world?

The history of avian and human influenza pandemics showed a high case fatality and devastating socioeconomic impact on the developing world. The global epidemiology of the human influenza of 1918; 1957 and 1968 pandemics had few similarities. One of which was mass human migration; whether it being troop deployment or trade routes. How much the perennial flight patterns of wild bird had on its spread is another question for consideration? The avian influenza virus does not readily cross the species barrier; though there is a potential for genetic re-assortment and cross infection. The main finding of this review suggest a lack of historic epidemiological data from the developing world on previous influenza pandemics; a poorly developed surveillance system and lack of health service delivery capacity to effectively combat an outbreak of influenza; should it occur. The developing world already heavily burdened with endemic diseases such as malaria; HIV; Tuberculosis and other respiratory tract infections will find it difficult to cope with an influenza pandemic. A preparedness plan for developing countries should include health systems strengthening especially that providing expertise and improved surveillance tools

A National Health Plan for South Africa

The health of all South Africans will be secured mainly through the achievements of equitable social and economic development. The legacy of apartheid policies in South Africa has created large disparities between racial groups in terms of socio-economic status; occupation; housing and health. This document focuses on the health system; but it links with the reconstruction and development programme which involves all other sectors. Health will therefore be viewed from a development perspective; as an integral part of the socio-economic development plan of South Africa

Report of a workshop on national health and social welfare policies for the decade 1993-2003; Maseru; July 28-30; 1993

The workshop taking these guidelines into account discussed the present health situation in the country and proposed a number of actions which are presented for ratification by Government

Plan national de developpement sanitaire : perspectives an 2010

Ce document est la revision du Plan Directeur elabore en 1991. Il tient compte des donnees socio-economiques actualisees; des exigences du Programme d'Adjustement Structurel et de la politique de decentralisation administrative en cours. Le but de cette remise a jour est de se conformer aux realites du pays et de tenir compte des capacites nationales a mobiliser les ressources necessaires a la mise en oeuvre de la politique sanitaire adoptee visant l'objectif social Sante pour tous d'ici l'an 2000

Health services in Lesotho : a study of new possibilities for cooperation with South Africa

This study was conceived in 1993 by the WHO Office in Lesotho; when the events in South Africa indicated that a transition was imminent. Its main objective was to look into the health systems of Lesotho and South Africa from Lesotho's point of view; to ascertain the feasibility of an intensified collaborative venture that may benefit both countries. The idea was discussed within the United Nations system in Lesotho and it was agreed later last year to undertake a comprehensive study on the impact of South African developments on Lesotho socio-economic scenario. This study then is part of a wider critical look at possibilities to establish closer linkages between the two countries. The study reviews present relations between the health systems of Lesotho and South Africa and formulates possibilities for new initiatives; within the context of technical cooperation but also in the spirit of the Reconstruction and Development Programme for South Africa