Few of the millions of Africans who suffer from the deadly virus can afford the expensive medicines used to treat the disease. The cost of private healthcare is prohibitive for most. Many people turn to traditional healers or charismatic religious leaders for help. But they find little more than fleeting peace of mind. The poor infrastructure in rural areas prevents millions of Africans from receiving basic, life-saving immunisations from childhood diseases such as measles and polio.
Sweeping efforts organised by international aid agencies are necessary to reach at-risk children.
Healthcare in countries in conflict is among the worst as governments or corrupt regimes dip into scarce funds from their health budgets to boost their defense capabilities. Meanwhile, the health of Africans continues to deteriorate. The buildings look dilapidated. The dirty, cream-coloured walls desperately need a new coat of paint. Most of the linen, and there is a shortage of it, is torn and discoloured.