GCSE Geography Theme 7.2.2: Health and Care Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa

Flashcards covering the main health challenges and strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, including malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest IMR.

Health issues in sub-Saharan Africa

Include unhealthy workforces, high death rates from diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS, and significant investment required for healthcare.

Health issues in rural SSA populations

Often worse due to poverty, distance from medical care, and poor education about disease symptoms.

Urban health issues in SSA

Likely to include sanitary diseases like cholera, typhus, and dysentery, as well as AIDS and HIV spread through intercourse.

Malaria

A disease common in tropical areas of SSA, with risk increased by proximity to bodies of water (breeding grounds for mosquitoes). Wet seasons increase infections.

Malawi's Malaria Risk

Exacerbated by 83% of the population living in rural areas with limited access to doctors. Highest risk areas are near Lake Malawi and in southern flatlands.

Strategies to tackle malaria

Include ITNs (insecticide-treated nets), anti-malarial drugs, filling in swamp areas, and insecticide sprays.

HIV/AIDS in SSA

SSA is the region worst affected by HIV, which attacks the immune system and leads to AIDS. It can affect people aged 16-55 and can be hereditary.

Spread of HIV

Through contaminated blood, sexual intercourse, and hereditary transmission.

Impact of HIV/AIDS

Death of family members, fewer workers, and high costs for ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs).

Strategies to tackle HIV

Education about safe sex, ARVs, and NGO support to educate and provide free contraception.

ARVs

Anti-retroviral drugs used to treat HIV. Often too expensive for many people to afford.