• Health:
• Commonwealth Health Challenges

Commonwealth Health Challenges

Social and economic development cannot occur without human development, and health is the cornerstone upon which human development is built. As such, health is recognized as a priority in the work of the Commonwealth.

To successfully address the health needs of Commonwealth citizens, we must also focus on social determinants. Education, gender, human rights, social status and good governance all play an important role in shaping human health. Below are some of the health challenges faced by the Commonwealth.

Polio

In 1988, many of the 350,000 reported cases of polio were in Commonwealth countries. Since 1988, the global incidence of polio has declined by more than 99%, and only 3 Commonwealth countries are still polio endemic. More...

Tuberculosis

There are 825,000 preventable Tuberculosis (TB) deaths each year in the Commonwealth. Commonwealth countries account for nearly 30% of the world population but carry the burden of 49% of total Tuberculosis deaths. TB is a disease that disproportionably affects the poor and prevents Commonwealth citizens from escaping poverty. More...

Malaria

Malaria is a deadly parasite that threatens 40% of the world's population. Many are Commonwealth citizens that live in remote rural areas and conditions of poverty. Malaria is the biggest single killer of African children and often leaves those who survive with brain damage or paralysis. More...