AMREF USA’s Pledge for a Healthy Africa
Despite the substantial improvements made in the last few decades, Africa still faces major public health problems. The continent accounts for two-thirds of the global population infected with HIV/AIDS, with 22.5 million citizens suffering. Malaria and diarrhea continue to kill children daily. The rise of tuberculosis, prevalent in mining areas across Africa, infected 2.3 million citizens in 2011 and killed 220,000. And childbirth still remains very dangerous, with 1 in every 16 women dying while giving birth.
African Medical and Research Foundation USA seeks to improve the health standards of all African nations, one community at a time. Founded in 1957, AMREF looks to improve the quality of life for African communities and eradicate public health problems.
AMREF understands local health systems are essential in developing quality, sustainable health standards. AMREF has trained many African locals to return to their communities in order to improve health conditions. The organization educates volunteers and on the symptoms and treatment of diseases to prevent diseases from spreading further and decrease the number of citizens infected. AMREF has trained over 10,000 health workers in over 40 African nations.
AMREF estimates that a million more health workers need to be properly trained and educated to meet the United Nation’s Millenium Development Goals for improved public health. As the fight for better health conditions in Africa continues, educating and training citizens may be the solution for healthier African communities and improved health standards.
– William Norris
