AIDS and Health Issues

Millions of Africans die each year from infectious diseases, such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; from poor nutrition or lack of clean drinking water; or from diseases like measles and polio that have been conquered in developed countries through the use of vaccines. The continent's widespread poverty, along with a lack of adequate hospitals and trained doctors and nurses, contributes to the health-care crisis. As a result, the life expectancy of people living in sub-Saharan Africa has plummeted to 47 years-a lifespan more than 30 years shorter than that of the average American. This book explores the current health crisis in Africa, explaining the scope of the problems that the continent faces. It also describes efforts by humanitarian organizations and by African governments to train health-care professionals. Book jacket.