PHM-Exch> [PHM NEWS] DECLARATION OF PHM WestCentralAfrica ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD HEALTH DAY

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Pacôme Tomètissi <tometissi at gmail.com>



*DECLARATION ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD HEALTH DAY, APRIL 7, 2019*

*'' NO HEALTH FOR ALL WITHOUT PEACE ''*

*PHM West & Central Africa - 07 April 2019. *On the occasion of World
Health Day on 7 April 2019, PHM West Africa & Center (PHM WCA) denounces
the rise of fundamentalism and violence in several West and Central African
countries and calls on leaders to take all steps towards greater regional
stability as a prerequisite for health for all.

The recent violence in Mali, which made more than 160 dead, is only the
visible part of the fundamentalism and community retrenchment in West and
Central Africa.

In December 2018, conflicts between communities had caused 534 deaths in
the DRC. Similar conflicts have already occurred in Niger, Nigeria, Guinea,
Côte d'Ivoire and the Central African Republic, among others.

PHM WCA draws the attention of political leaders on the fact  that while
they manipulate communities and use the permanent climate of fear as a
political strategy, the two giants in the region, namely Nigeria and DR
Congo, are among the 8 most threatened countries by famine in the world,
largely because of conflicts between communities.

At the same time, PHM WCA protests against trade policies that contribute
to the deterioration of health and turn into real factories of conflict.

 Indeed, the current policies of the region favor the promotion of
transnational corporations that pour into our countries tons of alcoholic
beverages, tobacco products and other narcotics that sometimes fuel
conflicts. These same companies sponsor everything: shows, television
broadcasts and free open air concerts during which the consumption of these
products is promoted through contests and prizes. Some other companies,
especially the extractive ones, move whole communities, just for their
business, which not only does not generally benefit people but creates
hotbeds of tension. What a pity!

We therefore call on policymakers to review regional economic policies that
facilitate the dumping of health-damaging products into the region and to
address the double discriminations that lead to conflicts.

We also call on the international community to focus more on the root
causes of conflict than to devote all its energy to assisting and managing
such conflicts.

PHM WCA reaffirms its commitment alongside progressive civil society
organizations to fight for public policies that respect the people’s right
to health in West and Central Africa.

Health for all in West and Central Africa, now!

Also available at
https://phmwcafrica.wordpress.com/2019/04/05/declaration-on-the-occasion-of-world-health-day-april-7-2019/

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