Usually this blog is concerned with health issues of Americans–and choices we can make to improve our health. There are two good reasons for this: more than 50 percent of Americans are on-line, and (2) they’re looking for health information because the US has the poorest health care system among all industrailized countries. The WHO recently ranked the US 37th in health availability, costs and outcomes, just ahead of our neighbor to the south, Mexico.
I’m visiting Botswana this month, a country about the size of Texas, which is phenomenally successful in economic and political terms measured against not only Africa but Asian nations. In a quiet transition in 1964, Botswana received independence from British protectorate status. At the time it was a very poor nation without any resources, but a short time after independence diamonds were discovered.
This is where Botswana has diverged from the rest of Africa. It has had for decades the world’s highest economic growth rate per capita, exceeding China, at least through 2005. The wealth from the diamond mines has been used to build infrastructure throughout the country, provide universal health care and free education through college level (all expenses paid to any college you’re admitted to). And the graduates return home to contribute to their homeland! You know the wealth is being distributed through the population when Lexus and BMW dealerships are found in the capital city of less than 300,000.
The government is a stable democracy with just one party but enough checks and balances to thwart corruption. Transparency International ranks corruption in Botswana close behind the US.
Health is Wealth
Botswana, with 1.8 million people, is the most sparsely populated country in Africa. And the old adage is so relevant to Botswana today: Health is Wealth. Only Swaziland has a higher rate of AIDS in its population. In the adult population of Botswana, ages 15-49, 25 percent have HIV/AIDS.
The disease peaks earlier in women than in men. Of women in their 30s, 40 percent have HIV/AIDS. In the population of 1.8 million, 300,000 carry the HIV and 100,000 are taking Anti-retro Virals (ARVs). Since year 2000 generic ARVs, used as combination therapy since 1997, have been available for about $100/year per patient, drugs that still cost US AIDS patients $10,000/year. Disputes over the intellectual property rights of generic drugs continue while lives are being saved.
At a dinner party with staff of the CDC and NGOs working here I heard tales of the economists’ projections of the sharp decline of the population having been staved off with another infusion of technical aid. As with any chronic disease, educating and convincing patients of the importance of contining their meds is critical.
Wherever you are, count your blessings in this new year! And I’d love to hear what are your health concerns this season in your corner of the world!
Salud!
Beverly A. Jensen, Ph.D.
President, www.WomensMedicineBowl.com
