SYNCRISIS: The Dynamics of Health. An Analytic Series on the Interactions of Health and Socioeconomic Development. XIV: Zaire

摘要

Zaire is rich in resources, poor in productivity, and with a hot, tropical climate provides a vast incubator for numerous debilitating diseases. High morbidity and mortality in Zaire, notably in the under-five years of age population, largely could be eliminated or substantially reduced through preventive health measures, extension of potable water and sewerage systems, coupled with improved availability of food and a general upgrading of the basic quality of living conditions. Malnutrition, chiefly a protein deficiency, is widespread and actually may be increasing. The problem and possible approaches to resolving malnutrition is urgent. Several different approaches may be needed to remedy health and health-related problems, given the diverse problem-resource mixes of the various geographic areas. Because of the synergistic relationship among health, nutrition, environmental sanitation, and population growth, development of an integrated public health delivery system promises the most cost-effective method to extend coverage rapidly, particularly for the largely unattended rural population. To support such programs, substantial changes will have to be made in the health system infrastructure, including better training, greater fiscal allocations, and more equitable distribution of services.