Lagos — Every year, Aids, tuberculosis and malaria cause more than five million deaths and cost the African continent hundreds of millions of dollars. With levels of public health spending inadequate to address the challenges these diseases present, they have continued to spread unchecked in many countries.

As they take their toll on agricultural productivity, economic and political stability, industry, and the traditional family structure, these diseases lead to increased poverty, which in turn leads to more infections, creating a vicious cycle, according to speakers at the groundbreaking of a new Nigerian syringe plant.

Recognizing these health challenges, the Pan African Health Foundation (PAHF) was founded in 2003 to help combat the spread of Aids, tuberculosis and malaria. On November 30, PAHF members, donors and distinguished guests joined Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Rt. Hon. Earl of Harewood in Port Harcourt to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Port Harcourt AD syringe plant aimed at reducing the devastating effects of Aids, tuberculosis and malaria on the African continent.

Those taking part in the ceremony included the foundation's chairman, Yuichi Ishimaru, who is a former executive vice president of Marubeni Corporation in Japan, Retired U.S.General Roger Blunt, president of Essex Construction, a foundation board member, and C. Payne Lucas, president emeritus of Africare.

Designed for the production of 135 million immunization and curative autodisable syringes per year, the plant will run on a not-for-profit basis in order to offer immunizations to poor Africans at prices below market cost. The syringes will employ a mechanical locking device to prevent multiple usage, stopping the spread of blood-born pathogens like Aids and hepatitis. All profits from the venture will be reinvested in the factory for operational costs, insuring the project's sustainability, speakers said.

PAHF officials said they are seeking to develop Africa's local capacities in disease prevention and treatment, rather than relying on donor aid to tackle the heavy disease burden. By investing in lasting local infrastructure, PAHF believes it can reduce Africa's dependency on the international community, thus operating in-line with the New Economic Partnership for African Development by promoting sustainable African solutions to Africa's problems.