Speaker Ibrahima underscores the need to improve health education policies in sub-region

The Rt. Hon Speaker of the Community Parliament Memounatou Ibrahima has stressed the critical role of robust health education policies in the region's development. 

At the opening of a delocalised meeting of the Community Parliament’s Joint Committee meeting, which kick-started on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Conakry, Republic of Guinea on the theme: "Promoting Healthcare services and Education in West Africa: The Role of ECOWAS Parliament." the ECOWAS Speaker, noted that Member States face numerous challenges, including limited resources, inadequate health infrastructure, and health disparities.

According to her ECOWAS plays a vital role in coordinating health policies among its Member States. However, these states continually grapple with challenges such as epidemic management, coordination between countries, and training of health professionals.  As such “it is imperative that we work together to address these challenges and ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare and education".

The delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee is comprised of the Committee on Health, Education, Science, and Culture, the Telecommunications and Information technology, and the Industry and Private Sector Committee with the aim to share experiences and best practices in promoting health and education in the region.

According to Ibrahima, the significance of health education cannot be overemphasized, saying health education is a fundamental preventive tool aimed at reducing premature mortality related to diseases and accidents, often associated with behaviours and lifestyles. "By investing in health education, we can empower our citizens to make informed decisions about their health and well-being," she also added.

Accordingly, she noted that the recommendation will be presented to the ECOWAS Parliament for consideration and implementation. 

The Speaker, while expressing gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to members of the Parliament by the Guinean Government, stated: "I would like to express my gratitude to the highest authorities of this brotherly country for the very warm typically African welcome we have received since our arrival on Guinean soil. We are confident that this meeting will be a success and will contribute to the development of our region. "