By Dare Akogun
Stakeholders are calling on governments worldwide to seize the upcoming UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as an opportunity to implement concrete measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of the climate crisis on citizens’ right to health.
This call to action emerged from a colloquium organized by Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) as part of its commemoration of the 2024 World Health Day under the theme ‘My Health, My Right’.
In a statement signed by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, the CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), participants emphasized the crucial role of responsible and accountable governance in managing resources to effectively provide and finance citizens’ right to health.
They advocated for transparent leadership, stressing the need to ban serving government officials from seeking healthcare services abroad and instead prioritize domestic healthcare facilities.
The absence of effective governance, it was noted, often results in the denial of people’s right to health.
Key priorities highlighted include the establishment of robust health insurance systems, governance reforms, and diligent policy implementation.
Governments were urged to allocate resources for essential infrastructure, policy reforms, and the provision of free and compulsory health insurance, maternity services, clean water, nutritious food, adequate shelter, and sanitation.
These basic necessities are vital for maintaining good health and reducing health disparities, particularly in underserved communities.
The stakeholders emphasized the collective responsibility of governments, partners, organizations, and communities in addressing these challenges and providing sustainable solutions to ensure everyone’s right to health is upheld.
