CiSPHA REGIONAL WEBINAR
African Union (AU) Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The Intergovernmental Negotiations Body (INB)
On 11th April 2024, the Africa Civil Society Platform for Health (CiSPHA) held a Regional Webinar for representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in conversations on the African Union Engagement with CSOs and Update on Global Health Negotiation Processes: The International Negotiations Body (INB). 45 participants from across Africa and the world joined the discussions. The webinar was moderated by Gloria Mululu,Policy & Advocacy at WACI Health.
Bright Sefah, Policy Officer at AU-ECOSOCC, spoke on how the AU has evolved from a political organisation to being Citizens focused where citizens take centre stage and get to participate through Civil societies and own the Development in the region. He further spoke on AU-CSOs engagement through the new accreditation framework.AU is doing so much to enhance itself in areas of health to achieve a healthy continent as a whole in line with Agenda 2063.
Nahason Aluoka, Strategic Advisor at Pandemic Action Network, gave an update on the Intergovernmental Negotiations Body processes, specifically the International Negotiations Body. There is division on issues such as One Health, Pandemic Access & Benefit Sharing System (PABS), IP and Tech transfer, Financing and accountability issues.Another resumed session is planned for 29th April to May 10th since INB 9 did not end on a good note and there is limited time to deliver the Convention agreement as many countries are going through elections
Lizzy Otaye, Advocacy and Communication specialist at EANNASO emphasised on the need for equity in global health processes. She mentioned that there is a need for equity since most Public Health Interventions work are at community level, thus it is important to involve them in the processes. There is a concern on how Pandemic preparedness programs are formed and the need to identify the role of CSOs in these programmes from the start.
