As the rhetoric about the Zimbabwe elections and who has won (impossible to tell) dominate our newspapers over the next few days, let's not forget the systematic errosion of health and human rights that has characterised that poor country over the past few years. An editorial in The Lancet this week reports that violence and torture have escalated to an alarming degree. As they point out, political repression complicates and fuels the ongoing crisis in health and human rights. Zimbabwe currently has among the lowest life expectancy and highest infant mortality in the world. Around 50% of Zimbabwe's work force have emmigrated - the rest are internally displaced. Zimbabwe's society has responded to systematic torture in much the same way that a traumatised individual does - with hyperarousal, mistrust and avoidance. Targeted political violence has also disrupted the provision of health care - and legal intervention. Doctors and lawyers who assist those who are the victims of government violence are themselves targeted. Political prisoners are commonly denied access to medical services. Around 90% of documented abuses are perpetrated by state agencies such as police and army who have virtual immunity from any redress for their actions. Medical organisations, including the South African Medical Association and the World Medical Association have condemned state sponsored violence in Zimbabwe. It is time for Africa - and the rest of the world - to take note and to call for those responsible to be held accountable.
Bridget Farham Editor https://www.bizcommunity.com