Malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases of public health importance continue to pose a threat to populations in Africa. The African continent accounts for 85 percent of the world's total malaria clinical cases, and 90 percent of the malaria deaths. Infants, young children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. The focus of the efforts around infectious diseases is on the following strategic topics:
- Malaria prevention and control
- Tuberculosis prevention and control
- Disease surveillance and epidemic response, including preparedness and response to avian influenza
- Control of other infectious diseases – “neglected tropical diseases”
- Assessing the burden of non-communicable conditions
To address the malaria problem, Africa's Health in 2010 develops and implements activities to:
- Support the President's Malaria Initiatives (PMI) planning and management
- Improve communication and advocacy on African malaria policy issues
- Promote community-based approaches to malaria control
- Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of malaria programs
In collaboration with USAID, WHO/AFRO and partners, the project carries out activities to promote the scaling up of quality community-based TB interventions and to strengthen African leadership and capacity in the design, implementation and evaluation of national TB emergency action plans. These plans are to reduce the burden of TB on African populations, especially in high HIV-prevalence countries.
Africa's Health in 2010 also joins USAID and WHO/AFRO to leverage resources and coordinate efforts with other partners to assist African countries in strengthening disease surveillance and response systems. The project also provides technical assistance to African countries on preparedness and response to the avian influenza and the threat of a pandemic influenza.
