Post-1960s–2010s: (Body and Mind — Education Expanding Since Independence but Success Variable, Sub-Saharan Adult Illiteracy the Highest in the World, Econom…

Post-1960s–2010s: (Body and Mind — Education Expanding Since Independence but Success Variable, Sub-Saharan Adult Illiteracy the Highest in the World, Economic Crisis Since the 1970s Slashing State Funding, Rural Girls the Most Disadvantaged, Malaria Remaining the Most Crippling Disease, Sleeping Sickness Advancing Again by the 1990s, Over Two-Thirds of Global HIV/AIDS Cases in Africa with 34 Million Infected and 11 Million Dead, and Even Small Investments in Public Health Having Major Impact as Infant Mortality Has Dropped Dramatically Since the 1960s): Education and healthcare remain critical challenges. After independence many governments invested heavily in education, with primary enrollment expanding dramatically, and concerted efforts to expand girls’ schooling. Yet success has been extremely variable — sub-Saharan adult illiteracy is higher than any other world region, economic crisis since the 1970s has slashed state funding, rural girls remain the most disadvantaged, and the gender gap is significant. Africa’s uniquely harsh disease environment persists: malaria remains the most crippling disease, and sleeping sickness was advancing again by the 1990s. More than two-thirds of global HIV/AIDS cases are in Africa, with around 34 million infected since the early 1980s and over 11 million dead, devastating eastern and southern Africa in particular. Diseases are also products of poverty, malnutrition, bad sanitation, and contaminated water. Healthcare budgets have shrunk, facilities deteriorated, and trained personnel have left for better-paid jobs abroad. Yet sustained action can produce results: immunization schemes have meant infant mortality rates have dropped dramatically since the 1960s and life expectancy has risen. Education is also a political weapon — even small increases in literacy empower populations, facilitating challenges to oppressive regimes, which is precisely why some movements seek to control it.