NOW on PBS Season 5 Episode 2 Africa: House Calls and Health Care

In season 5 episode 2 of NOW on PBS, the focus is on healthcare in Africa, where millions lack access to even the most basic medical services. The episode titled "Africa: House Calls and Health Care" takes us to several African countries to see how health professionals and communities are working together to improve healthcare in remote and underserved areas.

The episode begins with a visit to a small village in northern Ghana, where a community health worker named Christopher has been making house calls to patients in need. Christopher is part of a program that trains locals to provide basic medical care in their communities, where hospitals are often miles away. With a backpack full of supplies, including medications and medical instruments, Christopher checks in on patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. He also educates families on sanitation and hygiene, and helps mothers with prenatal and postnatal care. By bringing healthcare to people's doorsteps, Christopher and other community health workers are helping to reduce the high rates of illness and mortality in rural areas.

Next, the episode takes us to Ethiopia, where the government has made significant strides in expanding access to healthcare, especially for women and children. With the help of international aid, Ethiopia has trained thousands of health extension workers, who deliver services like vaccinations, family planning, and nutrition counseling in their communities. The episode features an interview with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, former Minister of Health in Ethiopia and current Director-General of the World Health Organization, who explains how the country has managed to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. He also discusses the challenges of scaling up healthcare services in a large and diverse country like Ethiopia.

Moving on to Malawi, the episode looks at one of the most pressing health challenges in Africa: HIV/AIDS. Malawi has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, with over 9% of the population living with the virus. However, with the help of international aid, the country has made significant progress in preventing and treating HIV. The episode features an interview with a young HIV-positive woman named Zaina, who shares her personal story of getting diagnosed and treated for the virus. She also talks about the stigma and discrimination she has faced as a result of her status, and how she has become an advocate for HIV awareness and prevention.

Finally, the episode takes us to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where healthcare is among the most underfunded and neglected in the world. In the city of Kinshasa, we meet a group of medical students who are working together to improve access to healthcare in their communities. The students have formed a nonprofit organization called Diam Health, which provides free health screenings and education to people living in low-income neighborhoods. The episode features interviews with the students and their mentors, who explain the challenges of working in a country with limited resources and a disorganized healthcare system.

Throughout the episode, we also hear from experts in global health and development, who offer insights on the progress and challenges of improving healthcare in Africa. They discuss topics like the role of technology in expanding access to healthcare, the need for stronger health systems and infrastructure, and the importance of community involvement in healthcare delivery.

Overall, the episode "Africa: House Calls and Health Care" provides a comprehensive look at the state of healthcare in Africa, showcasing the efforts of individuals and organizations who are working to make a difference in the lives of millions of people. It highlights both the progress that has been made and the ongoing challenges that must be addressed to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.