African parliamentarians commit to monitor implementation of the Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and Malaria in Africa by 2030

Embrace Africa Scorecard on Domestic Financing for Health in financial planning and expenditure tracking

PRESS STATEMENT

Midrand, 30 November 2016- Members of Parliament from the Portfolio Committees of Finance and Health met in Midrand, mid-November and pledged to support the implementation of the Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030. The Framework addresses broad ranging issues including leadership, country ownership, human rights, governance and accountability, universal and equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support. African Heads of State and Government this year in July adopted the Framework.

“Parliamentarians play a crucial role in budget appropriation and expenditure tracking. It is in this context that we should work together to advocate for more strategic and sustainable investments to address current and emerging health threats and ensure strengthened National Health Accounts as we move towards universal health coverage,” said Dr. Marie-Goretti Harakeye, the Head of AIDS, TB and Malaria Division at the African Union Commission.

During the meeting, parliamentarians committed to key actions to support the implementation for the Catalytic Framework in relation to their roles in budget appropriation and expenditure tracking, oversight, law making, constituency representation, leadership and creation of an enabling regulatory and policy environment. Some of the key actions included assessing whether the resources allocated for health are sufficient to meet set targets and to strengthen health systems, review of laws on alcohol and tobacco, plastic bags and pollution. Parliamentarians further pledged to work with governments to pass laws on national health insurance, creating an enabling environment for public private partnerships and integrating health in environmental impact assessments. Legislators further pledged to advocate for the full implementation of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa for improved access to medicines.

“The health agenda is at the centre of the work that we do in our communities and we are fully committed to working with various stakeholders in the implementation of these key actions.  We are your partners in advocacy for the domestication and effective monitoring of the implementation of continental commitments on AIDS, TB and Malaria,” said Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, Member of Parliament from the Republic of Zambia.

Africa’s long-term development framework, Agenda 2063 is predicated on ensuring that all key sectors of society are domestically funded to ensure sustainability and economic transformation. Accordingly, the meeting fully briefed the legislators on the strategic priorities of the continent on health to ensure that African governments are accountable, fund and implement agreed upon commitments. During the meeting, the Parliamentarians expressed commitment to utilise the Africa Scorecard on Domestic Financing for Health in budgetary oversight and expenditure tracking.

For more information, visit http://www.au.int

For further information contact:

Tawanda Chisango| AIDS Watch Africa Programme Advocacy and Partnerships Expert | Social Affairs

|African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182229 |Mob 0934 167 052| E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org |web: www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

About the African Union:

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens.  AU Vision An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/.