Africa's Health in 2010 applies a conceptual framework developed under the SARA I project to guide its approach to changing policies and programs to improve the health conditions of Africans. The framework starts with the identification of problems/issues in delivering health care services and calls for a systematic search for solutions often leading to concerted efforts at advocacy, forging partnerships, building the capacity of local and regional institutions, and fostering African leadership. Awareness of the importance of Advocacy, Communications and Dissemination (ACD) activities is growing throughout Africa as evidence of its importance in program development mounts. In the coming years, Africa's Health in 2010 plans to expand its ACD activities by reaching out more to local communities and their leaders.

To support health advocacy, communication, and dissemination activities, Africa's Health in 2010 advocates for improved policies and programs by: a) identifying challenges, b) proposing solutions, c) forging partnerships, d) strengthening the capacity of African institutions to work toward proposed solutions, and e) fostering African leadership.

Africa's Health in 2010:

• Focuses on the advocacy needs and goals of the technical areas and the importance of working with partners and stakeholders to raise awareness about issues, and facilitate changes in programs and policies
  
• Provides technical assistance to support successful strategic communication planning in support of health programs
  
• Offers information to decision-makers and partners to gain knowledge, inform key audiences, and use strategically within their projects and program activities
  
• Provides technical assistance to regional advocacy institutions and networks as well as communication offices to strengthen their capacity to respond effectively to ACD needs
  
• Develops state-of-the-art materials and tools and strategically disseminates these materials to intended audiences