Health and Human Rights in Africa

In last two decades there has been an increased interest in linking health and human rights in
populations living on the African continent. For example, in June 2009, the United Nations
Council for Human Rights identified maternal morbidity and mortality as a human rights
concern. Along with many developed nations, several African countries have agreed to address
human rights components of maternal morbidity and mortality. The fact that many African
countries are official signatories of one or more African health related treaties implies that
African governments must play a role in promoting and maintaining a healthy society.
Understanding the intricate and dynamic relationship between African health and human rights
requires a critical and through examination of the many causes and effects of morbidity and
mortality throughout the continent. It also requires a holistic assessment of the determinants of
illness such as poverty, poor hygiene and sanitation, malnutrition, poor infrastructure, and
insufficient health systems that continue to jeopardize the continent’s development and health
rights. The 2010 African Health Summit will focus in understanding health and human rights in
Africa. Papers are solicited covering a broad range of topics in African health and human rights
including local availability (urban versus rural, physical infrastructure for health services, human
resources and the health work force), accessibility (gender inequality, discrimination and
vulnerability, economic as well as infrastructural discrepancies), acceptability (communication
and other ethical issues), and quality (poor working conditions, quality of medical care, the role
of poor nutrition in promoting health challenges) are eligible for presentation at the 2010 African
Health Summit. The summit welcomes all interested or involved in African public health, human
rights and development. Click here for more details about the event