In Latin America, the majority of the Afro-Colombian population lives in conditions of extreme poverty in zones that are underserviced for health, education, potable water, sewage disposal, and electricity. Diseases affecting the population are due to the unsanitary living conditions and include malaria, dengue and gastrointestinal diseases, skin grains, and respiratory infections. Additionally, unlike the rest of Colombia, malnutrition rates are actually increasing among the Black population. 

Disparities for these ethnic groups can mean earlier deaths from preventable diseases, decreased quality of life, higher health-care costs globally, and social inequity. It is for these reasons, among others, that healthcare personnel and advocates need to develop strategies to eliminate health care inequity, and promote healthy lifestyles among the Black population.

A goal of the conference Healthcare in the Black Americas is to convene and develop methods to eliminate these disparities and provide culturally appropriate public health initiatives, community support, and equitable access to quality health care.  On February 23, 2008, at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, 10016-4309 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., there will be a series of discussion groups throughout the afternoon with concluding keynote addresses from Drs. Mindy and Robert Fullilove, of Columbia University.  Topics include, but are not limited to, the impact of health policy; mental health issues; issues of health care on the elderly; and the impact of HIV/AIDS and its affects on Black America and the poor.

Website: http://afropresencia.com/id6.html