93 In relation to other communicable diseases, targeted interventions were implemented to improve child health. Highly successful measles and polio campaigns were conducted to protect South African children against these two preventable diseases. Furthermore, 89.4% of South African children under the age of one year were fully immunized and 72% were provided with pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines to protect them against pneumonia and diarrhea. With regards to communicable diseases, there has been a decrease in malaria incidents per 1000 local population which was at risk from 0.6 in 2010/2011 to 0.48 in 2011/12. These achievements came as a result of strengthened malaria information systems which are utilized for early prevention strategies. These were complimented by improved collaboration on malaria control with neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. Attainment of the vision of a Long and Healthy Life for All South Africans requires a strengthened and well performing health system. Key priority areas in which progress was made in strengthening health systems included, amongst many others: re-orienting the system towards Primary Health Care (PHC), development of a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy, reduction in the price of antiretroviral medicines and improving financial management. 3.4.3 Improving access to and outcomes of the education system at all levels Education continues to be a key priority of government. Expanding access to education and reducing illiteracy has the potential to accelerate socio-economic development more than any other intervention. Quality education is a critical ingredient in the on-going efforts to address the legacy of apartheid that still pervades many aspects of South Africa’s social setup. The adage that, “Education is the great equaliser”, derives from a statement by former President Nelson Mandela informs the policy and principles of government towards education. Therefore, quality education is greatly needed in SA to deal with challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment. Specific challenges that still confront Basic Education include:       Frequent curriculum changes leading to poor teacher mastery of content and methodology, leading to learners that are ill-prepared for the next class; Provision of learning/teaching material is inadequate and inequitably distributed, with rural schools being the worst affected; Infrastructure resources including technology, libraries and laboratories are in short supply, more so in rural areas and schools in informal settlements; There is not enough attention being paid to educator remuneration; The twin challenge of poor school leadership and management; and inadequate parent participation; and School safety and abuse of drugs in school. The above factors, when combined contribute to poor learner performance, especially in mathematics, science and technology. Government has initiated efforts to strengthen the National Mathematics, Science and Technology Strategy with the aim of increasing learner performance in these subjects, while increasing the capacity and numbers of teachers in this field. 93