The Health for All Coalition, a local and non-governmental organization with its main aim of looking into the health situation of the country, has called on government to accelerate its efforts to meet the health Millennium Development Goals.
The Executive Director for HFA Charles Mambu, said that this decision was arrived at when members of different civil society, held an advocacy and consultative conference on improving maternal and child health in the country, with the theme ‘accelerating government’s international and national commitments in meeting the heath MDG’s in post 2013.’
During the consultative meeting Mambu disclosed, that they realize that some progress have been made by the government with regards to the MDG’s especially 4, 5 and 6 and the Free Health Care Initiative and that the government has taken a strong step in acknowledging the need to prioritize Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) by developing and implementing the policy about the SRHR policies within the national strategy plan.
He disclosed that they appreciate the fact that government has demonstrated its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB by implementing structural facilities to improve access to essential drug treatments.
Charles Mambu highlighting some of the challenges in some areas which include the health financing maternal death review, SRHR and HIV/AIDS, Malaria tuberculosis and leprosy.
The Executive Director disclosed that in the area of health financing, the government, he said, is committed to the Abuja Declaration of 15% budget allocation to health has not been realized, there is fluctuation in the budgetary allocation and unclear timeline and progress made to achieve the 15% allocation to the health sector including 1% allocation to family planning.
On maternal death review, Mambu said there is weak reporting mechanism on maternal deaths and where reported, they are inconsistently reviewed at the hospital level, no legal framework and policy supporting maternal death review.
He said drug supply, chain management systems is weak at the district level in responding to stock out also there is limited safe clinics which includes staff, equipment, electricity, drugs, referral and lab services and safe drinking water.
Charles Mambu revealed some of the recommendations which includes government timely, transparently and accurately report on progress made towards the implementation and achievement of their commitment.
July 31, 2013
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