CSOs Criticise African Governments Over Health

Health experts and activists have heavily criticised African governments for failing to collaborate with CSOs on health research and health policy development.

Speaking during the World Health Organisation global ministerial forum in Mail, CSOs accused governments tend to perceive them as a threat because they are independent, often critical of government. In addition, they stress that this is because they hold politicians accountable.

The Indian-based Centre for Public Health and Equity’s Thelma Narayan points out that: "Civil societies are a missing voice in health research." Narayan cautions that without inclusion of CSOs, African governments' efforts to create sustainable health systems will fail.

To read the article titled, “Research and policies lack civil society input,” click here.