Addressing the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa Through Improved Regulation of Medical Products
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing cause of death and disability in Africa, reducing individual and collective productivity and increasing health care costs. This brief, developed for the 2016 African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum, discusses the rise of NCDs in Africa, the importance of strengthening regulatory mechanisms for improved access to medicines and medical devices to address them, and the role of trade in improving these processes. [Download]
French Version [Download]
Portuguese Version [Download]
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing cause of death and disability in Africa, reducing individual and collective productivity and increasing health care costs. This brief, developed for the 2016 African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum, discusses the rise of NCDs in Africa, the importance of strengthening regulatory mechanisms for improved access to medicines and medical devices to address them, and the role of trade in improving these processes. [Download]
French Version [Download]
Portuguese Version [Download]
A Corridor of Contrasts: On the Road from Abidjan to Lagos, Urbanization Offers Risk and Opportunity, Hardship and Hope
The West African transport corridor crosses five countries through a densely populated urban setting from Abidjan, Ivory Coast to Lagos, Nigeria. Rapid economic growth and urbanization associated with trade along the road have the potential to help pull people out of poverty and improve populations’ health. However, without proper management, this growth can also lead to the expansion of informal settlements, increased pollution, and crime. A Corridor of Contrasts documents the multi-faceted issues affecting the health of people living in urban areas along the corridor, and the recommendations for improving services for those living and working along the corridor.
English Version [Download]
French Version [Download]
Watch the video: Meeting the Needs of Urban Youth
The West African transport corridor crosses five countries through a densely populated urban setting from Abidjan, Ivory Coast to Lagos, Nigeria. Rapid economic growth and urbanization associated with trade along the road have the potential to help pull people out of poverty and improve populations’ health. However, without proper management, this growth can also lead to the expansion of informal settlements, increased pollution, and crime. A Corridor of Contrasts documents the multi-faceted issues affecting the health of people living in urban areas along the corridor, and the recommendations for improving services for those living and working along the corridor.
English Version [Download]
French Version [Download]
Watch the video: Meeting the Needs of Urban Youth
Inequity, Fertility, and Economic Opportunity: Family Planning Makes a Difference
This technical brief presents analysis of the impact of differential fertility decline among wealth quintiles on population age structure in four African countries, the trajectory of these trends through 2050, and the impact on access to economic opportunity. Produced in collaboration with Avenir Health and the Health Finance and Governance project, findings suggest that if fertility decline is not accelerated across wealth quintiles, the resulting inequities could limit the realization of economic benefits for the country as a whole. Fertility decline should be considered a critical element of inclusive and sustained economic growth in Africa.
[Download]
This technical brief presents analysis of the impact of differential fertility decline among wealth quintiles on population age structure in four African countries, the trajectory of these trends through 2050, and the impact on access to economic opportunity. Produced in collaboration with Avenir Health and the Health Finance and Governance project, findings suggest that if fertility decline is not accelerated across wealth quintiles, the resulting inequities could limit the realization of economic benefits for the country as a whole. Fertility decline should be considered a critical element of inclusive and sustained economic growth in Africa.
[Download]
Ebola and Other Disease Outbreaks:
Implications for Economic Growth and Trade
This brief discusses the impact of disease on trade, economic growth and commerce, with particular reference to the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa. It examines the impact of disease on different economic sectors and discusses the importance of global health security and the strengthening of systems to reduce risk factors that amplify the spread of infectious diseases and debilitate sustained economic stability. There is a need to understand the role of regional and international cooperation mechanisms and policies, especially the role of trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in promoting economic trade and growth to assist in preventing the spread of various diseases. [Download]
Summary of key points in French [Download]
Implications for Economic Growth and Trade
This brief discusses the impact of disease on trade, economic growth and commerce, with particular reference to the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa. It examines the impact of disease on different economic sectors and discusses the importance of global health security and the strengthening of systems to reduce risk factors that amplify the spread of infectious diseases and debilitate sustained economic stability. There is a need to understand the role of regional and international cooperation mechanisms and policies, especially the role of trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in promoting economic trade and growth to assist in preventing the spread of various diseases. [Download]
Summary of key points in French [Download]
Health, Economic Development and Trade: Technical Brief
Africa is the fastest growing continent in the world— with a projected average economic growth rate of 6 percent from 2013-2015. Health is becoming increasingly important as economies grow. This brief, developed for the health session at the 2013 U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, (also known as the AGOA Forum), explores the relationship between health, economic development and trade in Sub-Saharan Africa by reviewing available evidence taken from published research and data.
[Download]
