It summarizes and reconfirms existing African engagements on good governance that the continent’s leaders have taken over the last 30 years or so. And the Charter takes them a step further by operationalizing their implementation. Instead of adding to the pile, it tries to rationalize the African good governance architecture and translate it into reality.
But there is no room for smug self-congratulation as the struggles against disease, inequality and illiteracy are far from over, and especially as we learn the lessons of three scandalous oversights: on food security, on trade, and on support for African civil society and their drive for improved transparency and accountability.
Now the CHWs are seen to be a key part of a functioning primary health system. This system should include a clinic within short walking distance, with supplies, a skilled birth attendant and other staff, electricity, and safe water; an ambulance for emergency transport; an emergency “911” number; a policy of free care at the point of service (so as not to turn away the indigent); and trained and remunerated CHWs, taught also to treat diseases and save lives in the community.
