HEALTH

In 2005, G8 countries committed to help African countries reach the MDGs by reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and polio and improving access to basic health care in African countries. At subsequent G8 Summits, additional commitments were made that strengthen the disease-specific commitments and support health system strengthening, the training and retention of health workers and the control or elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

• Perhaps more than in any other sector, where concentrated investments have been made, results have been delivered. New HIV infections are declining and more people living with HIV are receiving care and treatment, rates of new cases of tuberculosis are declining, malaria mortality has been reduced in targeted countries and child mortality has declined. Polio remains endemic in only one country in Africa, and with a recent influx of resources could join smallpox on the list of eradicated diseases.
• However, as a region, Africa remains seriously off track to achieve the health MDGs, especially those to reduce the under-five death rate by two-thirds by 2015 and the maternal death rate by three-quarters by 2015 respectively. Life expectancy remains stubbornly low and, more broadly, Africa's health indicators remain among the poorest in the world.
• Delivering on the G7 commitments on health would improve life expectancy and quality of life across the continent. Greater investments in health care worker training and building health systems can complement the success of already effective programs such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).