Heads of government at the latest African Union Meeting in Addis Ababa have adopted a declaration that will see the continent address increasing public health event and recurring epidemics.
The Declaration on Accelerating Implementation of International Health Regulations in Africa comes amidst concern that many African countries have not adequate implemented International Health Regulations to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of diseases.
“A fundamental part of a government’s basic duty is to protect its citizens against health insecurity, risks and emergencies, it is therefore important that AU Member States meet the International Health Regulations core capacities in disease outbreak prevention, preparedness and response,” said Amira El Fadil, the commissioner for social affairs at the African Union Commission.
The declaration commits countries to mobilize resources and set up multi sector mechanism to accelerate implementation of IHR.
Under the declaration, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission and World Health Organisation will provide technical support for countries to implement IHR and report within a framework for improve health security in Africa.
The AU will not commit 0.5% of its annual operational budget to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
