Evaluate the responses of two African countries to the post-independence challenges of disease and poverty.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of two African countries’ responses to the post-independence challenges of disease and poverty, weighing up the strengths and limitations of each of those countries’ responses. Candidates may adopt a comparative approach, although this is not a requirement. They may choose from a range of case studies in their responses but many of themes addressed will be similar. For instance, candidates may refer to heavy investment of some countries in schools, hospitals and clinics, and in specialist training in health and education. Many countries used UN agencies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide specialist infrastructure, especially in remote areas and those hit by drought and famine. Several of these also sought to achieve food security to reduce diseases caused by malnutrition. Candidates may address factors that inhibited effective responses, such as conflict, corruption, and high levels of military spending and government debt.