The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with Expertise France, has launched a new regional project aimed at strengthening human resources in public health, with an initial focus on three ECOWAS countries (Benin, Guinea and Togo).
The project, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) to the tune of 4.5 million euros and implemented by Expertise France for a period of four years (2023-2027), aims, through the regional health organisation and the three partnership target countries, to contribute to reducing mortality in the face of health crises in West Africa by 2030.
According to the statement, signed by Project Manager, Expertise France, Mr Dionké Fofana, the project will be based on a ‘One Health’ and gender-sensitive approach, and will aim to develop the skills of health professionals in key areas, such as; preventing, monitoring and controlling epidemics, quantity and quality of human resources in public health and the fight against communicable diseases.
Other areas include promoting community, maternal and child health, managing health emergencies and promoting gender equality and a multi-sectoral approach.
Director General, WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase AÏSSI, said that health is now an important agenda for Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS).
‘‘One of the major health challenges facing our community is the issue of human resources in health, which is now on the agenda of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
“The new project to support the reinforcement of human resources in public health in ECOWAS French-speaking countries, is one of the credible solutions expected for the prevention, detection and management of health crises in the ECOWAS region,” he said.
Director, AFD Abuja, Mr Xavier Muron, said: ‘‘Through Expertise France, AFD Group is delighted to support West African countries’ capacities to anticipate and respond to public health emergencies.
“Investing in human capital is key to building health systems and institutions capable of dealing with future crises. This project supports one of the pillars of WAHO’s strategy, namely the implementation of attractive strategies for the retention, management, training and development of human resources in health.”
