Sub Saharan Africa Regional Strategy CIVIL SOCIETY

Transcription

1 Sub Saharan Africa Regional Strategy CIVIL SOCIETY Presented by Mwajuma S. Masaiganah Patrick Mubangizi On behalf of Civil Society Sub-Saharan Saharan Africa Region Teheran Iran, 18 th January 2006

2 Background and Justification The Civil Society in Africa is facing crucial challenges which are very complex. increasing poverty and inequality associated with unfair globalization; economic crises and fiscal restraint causing increasing government withdrawal from social service provision; corruption and misgovernance as well as curtailment of citizens democratic participation weakening and collapse of institutions including universities and training institutions; and the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

3 Key regional events in CSDH processes Participation in the CSF meeting in Geneva August 2005 Participation in the Commissioners meeting in Ahmedabad September 2005 Mapping methodology development Participation in the CSF meeting in Montevideo December 2005 Consultation of multistakeholders SSA regional meeting Nairobi January 2006

4 THE STRATEGY

5 Civil Society Network CS IN SSA are guided by the following core principles and values -fundamental right to health and life -equity and social justice - People led and people centred health systems - health before profits - People led and grassroots driven regional integration

6 Opportunities for CS engagement The Commission for SDH created space for engagement CS and especially CSF can be involved in the poverty reduction processes Using existing forums like Health Sector Reform processes in countries to promote the work of the commission Conducting community out-reach programmes. Establishing collaboration with CSDH country focal points, WHO country offices, AFRO office, Ministers (all related) and UN Habitat (Commissioner). Using and strengthening existing campaigns and linking with existing country Policy Forums

7 The role of CS in SSA Civil Society see the CSDH as an opportunity for engagement in the country work process in areas like; Collecting and analyzing knowledge from communities to compile evidence based policy recommendations. In the advocacy and Lobbying.. raise societal debate and confirm evidence collected for concrete action Building capacities of CS member organisations and communities by making their voices to be heard beyond the work of the commission.

8 The role of Civil Society in SSA (Cont d) Mobilization and education of its constituencies about the SDH. Facilitating the political will within governments on the work of the Commission Promotion of country SDH policies that are in existence Giving support to governments to counteract the neoliberal socio-economic and political policies and free markets. Challenging where necessary, national and regional governments, international agencies on the need to act.

9 Narrative story on effects of War and conflict from DRC

10 TESTIMONY How war and conflict affected SDH in DRC Eight years of conflict in DRC has affected the health sector, nutrition, education and gender. DRC cannot have access to funds which means no new investment in infrastructure, equipment and medicines. People cannot access quality care, and there has been increased morbidity and mortality in women and children. People cannot do their agricultural activities, so many cases of malnutrition in women and children are prevalent, and cause them to become vulnerable to disease. There is no education or employment, because people are migrants. Further, there is sexual violence to women and children with the consequences of HIV / AIDS and STIs. No program of ARV treatment for those who are infected with HIV, resulting in morbidity and mortality. DRC has AIDS orphans and widowers who are a burden to the community.

11 CIVIL SOCIETY ENGAGEMENT IN COUNTRY WORK

12 Government action on SDH POSITIVE - Free primary education - Social health insurance - Exemptions for user fees - Agricultural inputs (GMOs) - Water policy and provision NEGATIVE - Privatization-Water provision - Poor working conditions - Health sector reforms - Vertical health programs / health packages

13 CSO / NGO action on SDH Strengths - Understanding of CS engagement in SDH processes - Strong linkages with grassroots - Capacity for advocating for real change (TAC using the constitution ) Weaknesses - Lack of resources (human, financial) - Uncoordinated - Donor driven agendas

14 Challenges of engagement. Structural organizational Inadequate capacity

15 Organizational: Support engagement should be institutionalized. Resources: Funds should be provided adequately, taking into consideration the unique logistical realities of the Sub- Saharan Africa region. Inadequate capacity: Besides individual capacity building needs, exchange visits among CSFs. Scaling up best practices

16 NEXT STEPS Establishment of national CS focal points Mapping of CS at the country levels National consultative meetings especially in Francophone Implementation of strategy thru the different to supplement/complement other components of the commission