By Vincess Okushi
The Joint Committee on Health, Education, and other related sectors of the ECOWAS Parliament has set an agenda for health policy reform across West Africa to enhance effectiveness.
Co-chair of the Committee, Hon. Orlando Pereira, disclosed the joint committee delocalized meeting in Conakry.
Orlando stated that empowering Members of Parliament (MPs) to actively engage in promoting effective health policies within the ECOWAS member states is a critical step toward changing the healthcare delivery narrative in the sub-region.
He, therefore, acknowledged the presence of key participants and urged them to make valuable contributions to achieve the desired aim.
This particular meeting, themed “Promoting Health Care Services and Education in West Africa: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament,” focuses on equipping MPs with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive health and education reforms.
Our goal is to ensure parliamentarians take ownership of the health policy-making process.
He further harped on the need for close collaboration with various stakeholders, including civil society, technical experts, financial partners, and government health managers for a robust approach to improving health outcomes across member states.
While speaking, Pereira revealed that at the close of the session, the committee members will embark on field visits to feel the brunt of local communities, to enable them to shape policies that prioritize the well-being of their constituents.
Stressing that this move seeks to align with the national strategies for broader regional objectives and tackle inequalities in the health sector.
We aim to mobilize all relevant actors, from international agencies to local policymakers, to adopt health-positive behaviours and reduce disparities in health access.
Throughout the session, various experts will present ECOWAS’s interventions in health and education, providing valuable insights into successful programs that could be replicated across the region.
The culmination of the meeting will be a report presented at the upcoming ECOWAS Ordinary Session of Parliament, with actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing healthcare services and education throughout West Africa.
Pereira expressed confidence that the outcomes would provide clear guidance for policymakers across the region.
The recommendations we produce here will steer West Africa toward improved health services and a brighter educational future.
The meeting seeks to improve health policies that will foster regional integration and cooperation to curb challenges.
