Bridging the divide: Linking training to services

Abstract

“Bridging the divide: Interdisciplinary partnership for HIV and health systems strengthening" was the topic for one of the preconferences for the AIDS 2010 International Conference in Vienna Austria (between 18th to 23rd July 2010 (1). Africa is said to have about 11% of the world's population and 24% of its disease burden, but only 3% of its health workers (2). This shows the dire need for investing in human resources capacity building within the African health systems. Efforts in the control of targeted diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and others) should also be undertaken in a manner that also strengthens the health system, rather than distracting health systems and fragmentation of other health programs.