On 5 December 2015, countries in the Region join the global community to commemorate Patient Solidarity Day under the theme: “Health care is a human right”.
The theme raises public awareness that everyone should have access to good quality, affordable care without fear of discrimination and urges decision-makers to respect, protect and fulfil patients’ rights at every level of care.
Although in the African Region some countries have already put measures in place to ensure affordable, high-quality and accessible healthcare for everyone, much more remain to be done.
A lot of people are pushed below the poverty line as a result of financial barriers to access to health care. As a result vulnerable and marginalized groups in societies tend to bear an undue proportion of health problems
Increasing access to high-quality health care, for all people regardless of disease or condition, race, age, gender or ethnic background, geographic, economic or socio-cultural background is vital for sustainable development.
Health care must be provided in a manner where there is respect for patients’ rights and organized around the health needs and expectations of people rather than diseases. Patients should be empowered with the necessary education and support to know their rights.
Without more inclusive engagement of people, and efficient and equitable health systems in the African Region, countries will not be able to scale up the disease prevention and control programmes required to meet the health needs and expectations of their people.
Health is a fundamental human right and as we commemorate Patient Solidarity Day in the African Region, I urge governments, policy-makers, health professionals and service providers to put into practice policies and services that facilitate affordable, high quality equitable access for all.
I call upon all stakeholders to advocate for equity and human rights in health care to improve the lives of patients.
Together we can make this a reality in the African Region.
Thank you.