During a recent parliamentary session in Lagos, Nigeria, the ECOWAS Parliament has called on member states to prioritize healthcare and education by significantly increasing investments and enhancing service delivery across West Africa.
A report presented by a joint committee highlighted key recommendations stemming from a delocalized meeting held in Conakry, Guinea, from September 3-7, 2024. Titled “Promoting Health Services and Education in West Africa: The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament,” the meeting convened representatives from diverse committees including Health, Education, Science and Agriculture, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Industry and Private Sectors.
Parliamentarians assessed the progress made in these critical sectors, identifying pressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure in rural areas and insufficient community engagement. The report emphasized that lawmakers must actively influence national health and education policies and lead local awareness campaigns to drive change at the grassroots level.
Additionally, the report advocates for member states to align with the Abuja Declaration by increasing budget allocations to healthcare, urging African governments to dedicate at least 15% of their national budgets to this vital sector.
The recommendations received broad support from ECOWAS Parliament members, who have committed to monitoring progress and reporting back within the coming weeks. This decisive move underscores the region’s collective determination to enhance healthcare and education standards as a cornerstone for sustainable development in West Africa.
