Written statement presented by the ADH at the 49th session of the Human Rights Council

In the absence of a regional operational strategy, there are still villages deprived of essential medical equipment

In the absence of a regional operational strategy, there are still villages deprived of essential medical equipment
According to testimonies collected on the spot, in cooperation with the Togolese organization called SOURIRE ET VIE AFRIQUE (SOV-Afrique), we learned about the tragic situation of a people who died from the lack of the first medical equipment. This is an apparent example that tells us a lot about the realities of human rights in certain regions of Africa, particularly villages with a regrettable health and medical service situation.

Among these examples, the case of Yadé, a village located 235 km north of Lomé, should be highlighted. Populated by about 300 inhabitants, it is part of one of the isolated villages of the canton of Otadi. Not having a health center, the population of Yadé is forced to go over tens of kilometers for health care at the CMS of Djidokpo located kilometers from their village. Due to the distance, most of the villagers find it difficult to get to the health center for treatment for illness, injury and childbirth and also first aid cases for accidents; which regularly leads to deaths.

The sharing of material equipment should increase more than before in order to meet a strong increase in international demand, particularly in vulnerable regions such as villages in Africa. This would also help build the resilience of these regions to pandemics such as COVID-19.

Some NGOs and international organizations deal with medical necessities and yet there are always ignored regions or people who are not in a condition to make use of these offers for political and geographical reasons. We are hoping for the launch of a comprehensive plan that includes a technical assistance program to help local groups improve the process of acquiring medical equipment, their financial management and the planning of their activities. Undoubtedly, at the same time as the supply of medical equipment, the launch of a regional operational strategy supported by the international community is necessary.

Human Rights Council
Forty-ninth session
28 February–1 April 2022
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development