ECOWAS SPEAKER URGES BOLD REGIONAL REFORMS IN HEALTH, EDUCATION  

By Vincess Okushi  

The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima, has harped on the urgent need for stronger health and education policies for developmental drive in West Africa.

She made the call at the opening session of a delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament Joint Committee on Health, Education, Science, and Culture, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Industry and Private Sector Committees, under the theme: “Promoting Healthcare Services and Education in West Africa: The Role of ECOWAS Parliament.” Held in Conakry, Guinea.

Ibrahima, while stressing the critical role these sectors play in advancing the region, said Member States have continued to face significant challenges.

She noted that if the sector is utilized appropriately, it would surmount issues of limited resources and inadequate health infrastructure, including healthcare disparities.

Ibrahima opined that despite the strides in coordinating health policies, there are many hurdles in the management of epidemics, collaboration among nations, and the training of healthcare professionals, adding that if properly integrated, it could tackle the region’s health and economic gaps across member states.

It is imperative that we come together to tackle these issues head-on, ensuring that all our citizens have access to the essential services they deserve,

The Speaker added that the importance of health education cannot be overemphasized, pointing out that it’s a powerful preventative tool against premature deaths caused by diseases and illnesses.

By investing in health education, we empower our citizens to make informed decisions about their well-being.

As the committee set the stage for vital changes that could shape the future of healthcare and education in West Africa, they are optimistic that concrete recommendations will be submitted to the ECOWAS Parliament for consideration and implementation at the close of the five deliberations in Conakry.

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