The Director-General of the West African Health Organization, Dr Melchior Aissi, has called on ECOWAS member states to intensify efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals before the 2030 deadline. He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, during the opening of the Health Experts Committee Meeting of the 25th Assembly of Health Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States Conference.
The conference was organized by the West African Health Organization, a specialized institution of ECOWAS responsible for health issues.
The conference was themed, ‘The Quality of Health Care in the ECOWAS Region, Determinants and Prospects’. Joel said due to the 2030 deadline, pressure has been mounting on all States in general and those of the ECOWAS region in particular to achieve the goals.
He added, “This is in view of the progress made and the effective evidence of mechanisms and approaches capable of strengthening and amplifying the effects of our actions in the hope of achieving the expected results in the long term. “The theme chosen for this 25th AHM is perfectly in line with the elements of analysis of this objective and is in good continuity with the theme of the 24th AHM. “Indeed, in order to achieve the required quality in the provision of care, quality human resources for health must be available, apply and respect the norms and standards of quality established for care in all its forms.”
Aissi urged experts to carry out a critical analysis accompanied by concrete solutions to comply with the World Health Organization recommendation on breastfeeding up to the age of six months, which is one of the most effective ways of preserving health and ensuring child survival. The Chairman of the health experts committee, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, noted that the gathering was not only for them to represent their nations, but to serve as stewards of health and well-being for the people. Isokpunwu, who is the Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said Nigeria, as one of the largest and most populous countries in the region, offers unique perspectives and challenges.
According to him, with a diverse landscape and a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas, it faces the task of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across all communities. He, however, said that the nation’s commitment to health was unwavering, adding, “This is evident in our National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative which is designed to reduce physical and financial pains, and produce health for all Nigerians. “National Health Insurance Scheme is being reorganized, aimed at expanding coverage and reducing out-of- pocket expenses for healthcare. “However, we recognize that there is still much work to be done, particularly in addressing persistent issues such as maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases.”
Isokpunwu urged those at the gathering to discuss strategies and forge partnerships that would reaffirm their dedication to the health and well-being of every individual in the region. “Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources, we can overcome challenges, strengthen health systems, and build a brighter, healthier future for all West Africans,” he added. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ECOWAS Assembly of Ministers of Health is a statutory body of ECOWAS where health authorities assess the health situation in the region and take harmonized decisions on current health issues.
It also makes recommendations to Member States on all matters of interest to the health of the community and beyond. The meeting which is expected to bring together the Ministers of Health of ECOWAS Member States, Health Experts and Stakeholders began on Monday and will end on Friday.
