21st Century Strategies Presented by Salih Booker at the African Studies Association Annual Meeting, November 2000. Health, as the world affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than 50 years ago, is a fundamental human right. Yet over half of Africa's population is without safe drinking water and two-thirds lack access to adequate sanitation. Addressing this inequality is not an optional act of charity. It is an obligation.
Health is also an indispensable component of development, under any economic policy model.
Poverty in families and nations produces poor health. But the links also go the other way. Failure to invest in good health will undermine even the best-laid development plans. Health is not just an issue for medical professionals. Public awareness is fundamental in determining whether programs are adequately funded.