African health challenges tackled by ministers

Most African Union (AU) member states rely heavily on donor funding to support their public health services and most are "highly dependent" on imported medicine. The staffing of Africa's health systems has hit crisis levels. Just three percent of the world health work force is in Africa, while Africa suffers from 25% of the world's burden of disease.

These are among the topics to be discussed at the third ordinary session of the AU Conference of ministers of health which starts in Johannesburg today. The gathering, held once every two years, aims to find ways of improving the health of Africa's population.

World health organisation officials and representatives from NGOs and other civil society organisations are expected to attend.

The conference held under the theme Strengthening Health Systems for Equity and Development, is also due to discuss African traditional medicine, a pharmaceutical manufacturing plan and a "recommitment" to an African malaria plan. - Sapa