Post Millennium Development Goals and Population Growth: Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Innovation Can be the Real Accelerators for Health Gains in Africa

There is no doubt that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has brought the whole world in sharing the fight against diseases, poverty and other problems afflicting the world and most importantly sub-Saharan Africa. Much has been achieved though not well captured in the developing nations where the indicators as per the target of MDGs in 2000 when the campaign began were below the targets. In addition, the inequalities, disparities and conflicts that is continuously witnessed in the sub-Saharan Africa threatens to scatter the few successes that have been observed in recent past. Though the MDG’s have led to a reduction of maternal and child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, the population growth is likely to reverse the gains due to the already stretched scarce resources that continue to be depleted. Adolescent pregnancy is a concern and has risen at an alarming rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Universal access to health are necessary when it comes to improving the health results and other fundamental objectives of the health systems, and are based on all people’s right to enjoy the maximum level of health, equality and solidarity. There is a need to take appropriate action when it comes to poverty and inequality that continue to rise substantially in sub-Saharan Africa hence Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. Lastly, technology and innovation represent an opportunity for cost effective solutions to reach more people and have more impact.

Author(s):

Githinji Gitahi, Jarim Oduor Omogi, Sylla Thiam

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