Re-negotiate all antiquated treaties for development – African countries told

Accra, Aug. 31, GNA-The West African Health Sector Union Network (WAHSUN) has called on governments in West African countries to re-negotiate all antiquated treaties covering natural resources to ensure growth and improve lives of their citizens.

It said despite the African region’s abundant natural resources, over half of its population continued to live in extreme poverty.

The Network again called on the leadership of the Nigerien Junta to shift from their intransigent posture and positively respond to the dialogue being offered by ECOWAS and return Niger to civilian rule to restore civil liberties to the entire citizenry.

A communique issued at the end of the 23rd Planery Session of WAHSUN and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the theme, “Trade Union Revitalization: Organizing for Quality Public Services and Just Transition.”

Delegates of health sector unions from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Liberia participated in the event in Côte D’Ivoire.

The session discussed key issues, which included, insecurity in the sub-region, quality of public health services, Just Transition, non-existence of check-off dues in most Francophone countries, emigration of critical skilled health workers and its ramifications on healthcare delivery and global warming.

The WAHSUN urged Governments within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to fund health care adequately and equitably in accordance with the Abuja Declaration (2001).

The declaration for up to 15 per cent funding of health care services, enjoins all governments in the sub-region to take a cue and ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of health services for citizens in both urban and rural areas.

The WAHSUN further called on governments of its affiliate member Unions to be committed to the ideals of peace and security.

It appealed for the free existence of Trade Unions to organise workers as stipulated in Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention 1948 (No. 87) and Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 (No. 98).

The WAHSUN-in- session urged the United Nations (UN) to take aggressive steps to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and lessen the adverse effects of global warming on the health of populations and the general quality of life.

It said WAHSUN member unions remained committed to the guiding principles of the Network and open for partnerships that advance the health of populations, improve public health services and the working conditions of health workers in the sub-region.
GNA.

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