The report which was presented to the thirty-third session of the African regional Committee points to the clear determination of all member-states to adopt the ideals of primary health care as the key to attaining WHO's goals and to show their willingness to strengthen regional solidarity through technical cooperation.
The WHO regional director however stressed that the great fears of the century are those of war. He said, "In certain African countries political chaos has become the rule. To all these obstacles must be added the harmful effects of catastrophes and natural disasters".
Highlighting the important events of the years under review Dr. Quenum cited the conflicts which have torn and continue to tear Southern Africa apart which in recent years have been translated into incalculable material damage, frightful massacres and massive population movements.
Turning back to health the report cited the steady upward trend of life expectancy, reduced mortality rate as indexes of improved health status of the African population.
Other areas of appreciable stride in health services in the continent according to the reports include - the management process for health development, some communicable and non- communicable diseases, and battles against river blindness.
Referring to communicable diseases in the region, the report mentioned that although the international community has eradicated smallpox, certain endemic and epidemic diseases continue to be quite severe in spite of serious efforts on the part of the government.
Certain diseases which once appeared to have been controlled, are now breaking out again in disturbing fashion, the report noted.
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