Aug 31, 2010
African nations can reach the health-related Millennium Development Goals
Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, spoke at the 60th Session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for Africa in Equatorial Guinea yesterday. (Monday, August 30) Her message encouraged African leaders that the health-related MDGs can be met by the 2015 deadline. Citing a recent report by the World Economic Forum, she noted that African economies have fared relatively well in the world financial crisis, and show potential for growth. Despite the real impact of the global crisis, climate change, and other problems, Chan noted that the first decade of this century “saw the creation of numerous global health initiatives, new funding mechanisms, and new financial instruments.” Chan added that “investment in health development is working,” citing increased access to anti retroviral therapy for AIDS, reductions in fertility as well as maternal and child mortality rates, and improvements in malaria prevention and treatment. She noted the importance of good governance and democracy in supporting achievement of the health-related MDGs which, she said, “are within the reach of African nations.” A transcript of Dr. Chan's speech is available here.
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