Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

U.S. National Debate Topic 2007-2008: Health Care in Sub-Saharan Africa. Edited by Forrest Cole. New York: The H.W. Wilson Company, 2007. 1 vol. 195 p. $50.00. ISBN 978-0-8242-1069-4.

Africa has been colonized and attempts have been made to change the cultures found there into ones that more closely resemble Europe and North America. This has not been successful, and one of the less positive effects has been in the area of health care. The first identified case of HIV/AIDS was found in the Congo in the late 1950s. Spread of AIDs has been rapid. Students who need primary source material on five areas of health care in Africa will find "The HIV/AIDS Pandemic," reports the current situation. Chapter 1, "HIV/AIDS and its Effects on Women and Orphaned Children," brings out the social and cultural constructs and taboos as well as strategies to change the way women must face this challenge in their lives. "Neglected Diseases," brings up the prevalence of tuberculosis, malaria, and other tropical diseases found in Africa. Chapter 4, "Problems and Solutions for African Health Care Systems," presents both challenges and solutions to improving the health care system, and the last, "U.S. Response to Africa's Health Care Crisis," discusses the U.S. aid to the region. Appendixes include a bipartisan group of Senators and their presentation of the Act of 2006 and President George W. Bush's remarks at the G8 Summit, a short bibliography of books and Web sites and an additional annotated list of periodical articles.