In West Africa, we are plagued by many epidemics — from Cancer, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS to malaria— but the continent has also worked for decades to fight these threats.

Now, promoting health and well-being is one of United Nation’s 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

SDG 3 aspires to ensure health and well-being for all, including a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030.

It also aims to achieve universal health coverage, and provide access to safe and effective medicines and vaccines for all. Supporting research and development for vaccines is an essential part of this process, as well as expanding access to affordable medicines.
Top among these priorities are Sexual and reproductive health and rights issues.

While there is work being done in these areas, accelerating the progress on women’s health remains a big challenge on the African continent.