The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Assefaw Tekeste, MD, DRPH, School of Public Health, University of California, NA, Berkeley, CA 94707, 510-642-6915, potts@socrates.berkeley.edu
As Minister of Health of Eritrea, Dr Tekeste helped build community involvement in health only to see it swept away by a the new government. Corruption is often difficult to measure, but it is pervasive and important. Many of the second generation political and military leaders in Africa have permitted or encouraged corrupt practices. The diversion of wealth harms the economy, demoralizes the people and degrades health care systems. Corruption makes any response to the AIDS pandemic especially difficult. Outside donors and agencies could help reduce opportunities for corruption, but any genuine, achievable solution has to come from within Africa. Health professionals can play a key role in confronting this destructive issue.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.