The World Health Organization on Wednesday signed an agreement with the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to improve access to health services in these French-speaking countries and develop health promotion materials in French.
This memorandum of understanding was concluded during a ceremony held at WHO headquarters in Geneva, in the presence of the head of the UN agency, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the secretary general of the OIF, Louise Mushikiwabo.
Former French Minister of Health Agnès Buzyn, now in charge of the WHO for monitoring multilateral issues, was also present.
In a statement, WHO explained that this agreement aims to intensify collaboration between the two organizations and improve access to health services in French-speaking countries.
It will particularly highlight multilingualism, and in particular the use of the French language in promotional and training materials in the health field. Another key focus is the promotion of health education, especially with regard to sexual and reproductive health.
Within the framework of the Memorandum, the OIF, which has 88 member states and governments, will carry out advocacy actions in favor of the promotion and protection of everyone’s fundamental right to health. In this way, explains the WHO, it will support the work of the UN agency in order to progress towards universal health coverage.
For Ms. Mushikiwabo, “this memorandum aims to provide political and diplomatic support for the implementation of some of WHO’s priorities”.
Without going into details, the WHO explained that this agreement aims to progress towards universal health coverage, to fight against malaria and to collaborate in the establishment of the WHO Academy in Lyon ( central-eastern France), whose objective is to train millions of health workers around the world.
Activities to combat Covid-19 will also benefit from support, in particular concerning the promotion of equitable access to vaccines.
“The strengthening of relations between the WHO and the OIF comes at a crucial time, as the world needs ever closer collaboration to fight against Covid-19 and meet the challenges that arise in terms of health , which range from malaria to inequitable access to health services, “said Dr Tedros in the statement.
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