By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — NEW YORK, USA
The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called for a broader approach to improving the wellbeing of women and children in Africa, stressing that progress in healthcare must be matched by investment in education, economic empowerment and gender equality.
Mrs Mahama said improvements in healthcare alone would not be sufficient to address the challenges confronting women and children unless they were supported by measures that improve their social and economic conditions.
She made the remarks during a “Passing the Baton” session at a high-level side event of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York.
The event, held under the theme “A Legacy of Leadership: Delivering for Women and Girls,” brought together African First Ladies and a First Gentleman to discuss the future direction of OAFLAD as the organisation reflects on nearly 25 years of advocacy and development work.
Mrs Mahama recalled that OAFLAD was established at a time when the HIV and AIDS pandemic required urgent and coordinated leadership across the continent.
She said that the same spirit of collective action remains necessary as African countries confront persistent challenges affecting women and children.
According to her, resilient healthcare systems must be capable of reaching every mother and child with essential services, including maternal healthcare, HIV prevention, early screening and nutrition.
She, however, stressed that healthcare interventions must be accompanied by broader social and economic measures.
“Health cannot be addressed in isolation. Education, women’s economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential to creating healthier families, stronger communities, and more prosperous nations.”
Mrs Mahama said improving the health of women and children should therefore be viewed as part of a wider development agenda rather than as a standalone objective.
She noted that keeping girls in school, protecting them from harm and providing women with opportunities to earn sustainable livelihoods could have far-reaching effects on families and communities.
“When a mother is healthy, when a young girl is shielded from harm and kept in school, and when a woman is empowered to build her own livelihood, the transformative ripple effects lift entire communities and drive national prosperity,” she said.
Mrs Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to integrating maternal healthcare, youth empowerment and gender equity into the country’s development priorities.
She urged fellow African First Ladies to use their collective influence to strengthen partnerships with governments, development organisations and other international partners.
She said access to quality healthcare, dignity and economic opportunities should be available to women and children across the continent, rather than being limited by social or economic circumstances.
The First Lady’s remarks formed part of discussions on how OAFLAD can build on its achievements and strengthen its role in advancing the wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls across Africa over the next 25 years.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com