national campaigns. The AU’s Africa Health Strategy 2016-2030 calls for universal health
coverage by 2030, and for ‘ending preventable maternal, new born and child deaths and
ensure equitable access to comprehensive, integrated sexual, reproductive, maternal,
neonatal, child and adolescent services, including voluntary family planning’.
As far back as 2001, AU member States adopted the Abuja Declaration and Plan
of Action on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases, in which they
committed themselves to increase their health budget to at least 15% of the state´s annual
budget. Few States have subsequently reached that target.
By 2040:
● No child dies a preventable death.
● Mother-to-child-transmission of HIV is eliminated.
● Children living with HIV are identified and provided with anti-retroviral
treatment and are sustained on treatment to achieve viral load suppression.
● Every child is vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, in particular
diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, polio and tuberculosis.
● The effect of malaria and other preventable illnesses on children is curbed.
● Nutritional supplementation, in particular of Vitamin A, is available to every
child.
● Children are educated about HIV, AIDS and sexuality, with a focus on the
prevention of HIV transmission.
● Exclusive breastfeeding is generally accepted and practised.
● Maternal mortality is significantly reduced.
● All children have access to and make use of quality, primary health care
services; the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis,
malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea are prioritised.
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