There are a multitude of health-related problems in Southern Africa that need to be addressed because of their adverse impact on the people of the region and their goal of sustainable development. United Nations Millennium Development Goal (UNMDG) 6 declares that one of its targets is to halt and begin to reverse the spread of malaria and other diseases by 2015. Malaria, tuberculosis, and malnutrition are preventable disorders that still affect large portions of the populations of countries in Southern Africa, even as they burden their health care systems. Maternal and infant mortality rates are high, and consistent access to reproductive and health care services remains elusive for many marginalized members of communities in the region. UNMDGs 4 and 5 target a drastic reduction in the under-five and maternal mortality rates and universal access to reproductive health care by 2015. There is also a need for attention and resources to be given to long-standing but not often properly addressed health issues such as mental illness and alcoholism.

At Panos, we believe that media and communication are essential tools in shaping public opinion and we utilize them both to inform the public and to create an opportunity for marginalized groups to communicate directly with policy makers and other intervention specialists. Panos does this through a set of methodologies, both time-tested and innovative.

PSAf began its Health Programme in 2007 with the goal of focusing on these critical health issues, giving special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. The goal of PSAf’s Health Programme is to foster a shared, collective, and informed response to health issues in Southern Africa. By initiating research studies on poorly addressed health topics and disseminating the results to the public, PSAf strives to increase awareness and engagement on these vital issues among the most affected members of society. We are enlisting the media, both at the community and national levels, to make sure that the public has access to accurate information about health issues by using fellowships and capacity-building workshops. We work to improve dialogue between the people and their leaders, and improve collaborations between national governments, regional entities, non-governmental organizations, and the media.

For more information about PSAf’s Health Programme please contact general@panos.org.zm.

View PSAf Health Programme publications