Threats on the survival of women and children in Côte d’Ivoire
Abidjan, 12 September 2007 – UNICEF is deeply concerned by the extremely serious consequences, on the survival of children, of the strike by public sector doctors and members of the National Union of Senior Medical Staff of Côte d'Ivoire (SYNACASS-CI), which started on 4 September 2007.
This strike action, which has paralyzed the health system, is having serious consequences on the populations, particularly women and children.
Despite the appeal launched by the Government, no effort has been made on the part of the strikers to end their action.
The Minister of Health said he was all the more shocked since the Government had, in a declaration, called on the doctors to show public spirit by going back to work.
Mr. Youssouf Oomar, UNICEF Resident Representative declares: “Unfortunately, the National Union of Senior Medical Staff of Côte d'Ivoire (SYNACASS-CI) has decided to pursue the strike without minimum service".
UNICEF calls on all the parties involved in this strike action and requests them to think about these thousands of children who have suffered and are still suffering because of the non-respect of their right to life and health. It is unacceptable that children should be deprived of basic care from birth and that pregnant women should die during childbirth for lack of care.
“We should all not forget that Côte d’Ivoire has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child”, recalls Mr. Youssouf Oomar. As stipulated in Article 24 of the Convention, “every child has the right to health and health services”, and in Article 6, “every child has the right to inherit life”.
UNICEF urges the doctors as well as their union and health professionals and the Government to find a solution to the problem, as early as possible, so as to protect the interest of children. Refusing to provide medical care is inhuman. “We are all responsible for saving the life of children. It is our duty”, says Mr. Youssouf Oomar.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF is operating in the field in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide to help children to survive and develop, from their tender age up to the end of the adolescent age. As the world’s leading supplier of vaccines to developing countries, UNICEF supports the health and nutrition of children, their access to water and sanitation facilities, quality basic education for all boys and girls and protection of children against violence, all forms of exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is fully funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, enterprises, foundations and governments.
For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Westerbeek, Chief Communication, UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire.
05572178 / 2121 1812 awesterbeek@unicef.org
