The platform for ESC rights in Africa launches an annual campaign on the right to health
April 7, 2024, Press release
The platform for economic, social and cultural rights in Africa launches an annual campaign on the right to health
On the occasion of World Health Day on April 7, 2024, the Platform for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa (PDESC) is launching an annual campaign focused on the right to health in Africa. For a year, several actions will be carried out by the member organisations of the platform in order to promote this fundamental right.
On the African continent, enjoying the best possible state of physical and mental health for all remains a challenge given the inequalities that persist and have been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Despite much progress made in various African countries in terms of access to health care, several major structural challenges remain and the quality of health care leaves much to be desired. In several countries, there is an imbalance in terms of access to health care between rural and urban areas. Elsewhere still, access to health services remains too expensive and universal health coverage inaccessible.
This is the case in Côte d'Ivoire where around 40% of the national supply of health services is provided by the private sector (2020). This is what emerges from the report published today by Human Dignity, the founding organisation of the platform. This publication was transmitted to the United Nations to contribute to the upcoming universal periodic review of Côte d'Ivoire. In continuation of the actions undertaken, advocacy will be organized in Geneva and Abidjan to improve access to health care in Ivory Coast.
In Senegal, the International Society for Human Rights/Senegal Section (SIDH) will carry out advocacy activities on the right to health of people with disabilities in rural areas. Free medical consultation campaigns will be organized in particular in the Bignona department in the Ziguinchor region.
In Togo, the Collective of Associations Against Impunity in Togo (CACIT) will focus its interventions on improving access to adequate health care by detainees. A free medical/psychological consultation fairground campaign will be organized in one/or several prisons for vulnerable prisoners.
Other activities will be implemented throughout the year to assess progress and challenges, and to raise awareness of the need to finance sustainable, resilient and accessible health systems without discrimination in Africa.
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Contact: Human Dignity, coordinating association of the Platform: info@hdignity.org; +33751110971
Created in March 2017 by Human Dignity, The Platform for ESCR in Africa is the first coalition of civil society organizations committed to the promotion and defense of economic, social and cultural rights in Africa. The members of the Platform renewed their commitment on July 29, 2020, by adopting a Charter and internal regulations.
More information on the platform HERE
Plateform members :
- Association mauritanienne des droits de l’Homme - Mauritanie
- Centre de Documentation et de Formation sur les Droits de l’Homme (CDFDH) - Togo
- Coalition pour l'Éducation Pour Tous – BAFASHEBIGE - Burundi
- Collectif des Associations Contre l'Impunité au Togo (CACIT) - Togo
- Groupe Mamans Tabita -RDC
- Human Dignity – organisation fondatrice de la plateforme
- Initiative DESC - RDC
- Mouvement Populaire pour la Santé au Gabon (MPS Gabon) - Gabon
- Réseau Progrès Et Développement Humanitaire du Niger (REPRODEVH) - Niger
- Réseau Ivoirien pour la Défense des Droits de l'Enfant et de la Femme (RIDDEF) – Côte d’Ivoire
- Société Internationale pour les Droits de l'Homme/ Section Sénégal (SIDH) - Sénégal
- Syndicat national des agents de la formation et de l’éducation du Niger (SYNAFEN) - Niger