AFR/RC44/R16: Establishment of an African Group for Humanitarian Action

AFR/RC44/R16: Establishment of an African Group for Humanitarian Action The Regional Committee;

Considering that Africa, our continent, is going through an unprecedented crisis of disease, indigence and under-development, with a resurgence of epidemics and violence that threaten us all and of which Rwanda is simply a paroxysm;

In view of this crisis and the tragedies that threaten our existence, and in support of strategies for sustainable development in Africa;

1. COMMENDS the Regional Director for the work already done in the provision of emergency health assistance for the stricken populations in Africa;

2. ENCOURAGES Member States to set up multidisciplinary emergency response and relief teams, to operate under the coordination of the WHO Regional Office for Africa;

3. REQUESTS the Regional Director:

(i) to examine this matter and initiate jointly with Member States, international organizations and NGOs concerned, the mechanisms required for establishing an African Group for Humanitarian Action, to consist of health professionals and disaster medicine specialists from Member States;

(ii) to take appropriate measures to raise ordinary and additional resources meant for assisting African States that are facing emergency health situations as a result of natural disasters or internal conflicts;

4. FURTHER REQUESTS the Regional Director to report on the implementation of this resolution to the forty-fifth session of the Regional Committee.

September 1994, 44, 21